Few bands in existence today can claim in a song “there’s a metric ton of Easy Mac in my soul” and still be considered serious artists with unmatched stage presence, seemingly endless energy and obvious musicianship. Ludo, hailing from St. Louis, Mo., is one of those bands.
The five-member group features Andrew Volpe, lead vocals and backing guitar; Tim Ferrell, lead guitar and backing vocals; Tim Convy, keyboard and backing vocals; Marshall Fanciullo, bass; and Matt Palermo, drums. Volpe and Ferrell started the band in 2000, when they joined up to write songs and perform small local shows during college breaks. Since then, the duo has evolved into a full band that has spent the past five years gaining an ever-increasing fan base through an almost-unending tour stint; the completion of their first full-length album; and appearances with well-known acts like Lucky Boys Confusion, Bowling for Soup, Breaking Benjamin, Motion City Soundtrack and Reel Big Fish.
Ludo, whose name was inspired by the David Bowie movie “Labyrinth,” is impressive because the band as a whole incorporates several different musical genres, from punk to ska, with the driving force of pure rock. Add engaging melodies and clever, witty lyrics, and you get a musical act seeping with raw energy and talent.
Part of what makes Ludo so appealing can be found in the band’s knack for witty, amusing lyrics. Singing about everything from the awkwardness of high school to college parties to unrequited crushes, Volpe sings as though he were telling a story, with each verse culminating in a gem of humor that prompts audiences to smile, and, in many cases, laugh out loud. In “Goodwill Hunting By Myself,” the band humorously speaks of a breakup: “Oh, and now you’re going around, trying to sleep with my friends. Hey, good, that really makes you an empowered individual. No, wait, did I say empowered individual? I meant two-cent gutter slut.” Ludo’s lyrics reflect the occurrences and happenings of their audience, making light of — but, also, in a way, validating — the let-downs and triumphs of young life.
The inclusion of both old school and current American pop-culture references like Kevin Arnold, E.T., The Matrix, and M.I.L.F.s also help make the band’s songs easily relatable. While it is not uncommon for bands to try to make their music easy for audiences to identify with, Ludo does so in a way that makes listeners laugh at the sheer truthfulness presented. The wit and cleverness found in Ludo’s lyrics make each song easy to relate to for the college-aged students the boys in the band love to play for.
The band’s musical ability can be easily heard and understood by merely listening to their self-titled CD, but attending a Ludo show solidifies recognition of the group’s talent and flair for performing. Volpe’s quirky antics and facial expressions, paired with Convy jumping without reticence around the stage, sans shoes, supplements the raw energy that radiates from the stage. Hardcore Ludo fans, who, without fail, turn up at every performance, can be heard shouting Ludo’s most popular lyrics, making real what Volpe has said about why he performs. He stated, “I am smitten by the opportunity to play our music … to share with as many people as possible the cathartic experience of singing along to a good song.”
Ludo’s musical talent, lyrical creativity and performance energy all reflect the fun-loving nature of each band member. The musicians genuinely love their fans and are approachable, talkative and engaging both on and off the stage. In the band’s popular party anthem, “Saturday Night Thunderbolt,” Volpe sings, “Another stupid Saturday. The conversation starts to slur, and some Sasquatch wookie-boner spilled his Mad Dog down my shirt.” Their playful attitude and love for their audience makes the members of Ludo guys you’d want to party with, and guys who would actually party with you.
Ludo, which recently performed at the X-Games in Colorado, will play a free show at the Rathskeller this Friday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 p.m. Their full-length album can be heard on the band’s website, www.ludorock.com, and will also be available for purchase at the show. The band’s vigor, humor, and impressive musicianship promise to make the upcoming show one of pure entertainment and fun.
