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| Lost at the Continental Ballroom. L. to r.: DiPlacido, Beveridge and Stadtmueller. Photo ©Debbi Lyon 1989. |
Erie punk band Lost releases EP
by Debbi Lyon ©2012
Lost, the thinking man's punk band, makes its vinyl debut this week with a self-financed, four-song e.p.
No stranger to the Erie scene, Lost has played almost a dozen times for an enthusiastic audience at the Continental Club. They've also recently traveled to Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The band will make a special appearance on Friday at Norb's Bar, 25th and Peach, to celebrate the release of its record.
Three of the four members of Lost have been together for a year and a half-vocalist Brian DiPlacido, guitarist Jim Beveridge and drummer Pete Stadtmueller. Bob Rhodes, who played bass on the record and demo tape, quit about a month ago, citing musical differences. Craig 'Freddy' Krugger has since joined the band.
The songs on the single are "99%," "More," "The Clown" and "Cut Out The Heart." Fortunately, a lyric sheet is enclosed, because at times the lyrics are hard to understand. According to Brian, there is no hidden message behind the songs. "What we want to emphasize is we're doing it ourselves. Most people think that if you're not on a major label the music's no good. But that's not true." Putting out a record "seemed more noble than not doing it," he said.
The passing months have brought a marked improvement and a sense of self-confidence in their live show. The guys no longer stand around between songs trying to decide which one to do next. The set list is tight but not confining. They plow through originals such as "I'm Sick," "Sometimes I Do" and the intense favorite "On and On." During the latter, Brian thrusts the microphone into the face of the closest fan, who screams "Who's right, who's wrong, who knows," at which point Brian grabs the mike to finish the line "On and on and on it goes."
Seeing Lost live is an experience in itself. One minute Brian is squirming on the floor. The next he's leaping in the air, with veins building from his neck, a sinewy body covered with sweat.
Lost has received favorable reviews in Plain Brown Wrapper and in Jackhammer Pogostick. Maximum RockNRoll called its music "catchy, energetic stuff," like "the first Descendents' album. And fan mail has arrived from as far away as Mexico.
Since Jim, Brian and Craig are attending college, will their education interfere with their musical ambition? Jim doesn't think so, because "Most of our touring will be next summer." Plans for the future include a trip to Washington, D.C. this fall to lay down tracks for their upcoming album. They hope to secure the talent of producer and former Government Issue member Tom Lyle. The album will likely be released on the independent label D.S.I., which is based in the nation's capital. For now, they'll stay close to home and try to recoup the $1,000 that was spent to finance the single.
As a treat to loyal Lost fans, Brian kidded, with a devious gleam in his eyes, that "If over 100 people show up at Norb's on Friday, we'll play in the nude." To find out if he's serious or not, get there early and find a good seat.
Only 500 copies of the Lost record were pressed, and it's available in record stores now.
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(Article by Debbi Lyon; originally published in Showcase, August 31, 1989)
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