PRESS

BILLBOARD DISCOVERIES  -  “You Like Me A Lot” - Typically, a good melody is the primary calling card to dig an act’s output, but Bardo has seriously upped the ante with lyrics that are so cunning that the listener is pulled in two-fold. Indeed, the whole package is in place here, with lyricist and front-woman Leslie King’s robust vocal resonance and a crackerjack team of musicians: bassist Sabby, guitarist Rich and drummer Bobby. The Los Angeles-based band follows its first album, 2008′s “Recurring Dream” with new EP “You Like Me A Lot,” led by the title track, in which King sings, “You’re the weather man, I’m the perfect storm/You’re Nevada sand, I’m atomic bomb,” alongside a frenetic sprint of organic instrumentation that has “mainstream hit” tattooed across its backside. “LA Is In My DNA” playfully scripts home base: “My parents are gay, my guru’s in AA, my neighbor is a porn star, tans with a spray, we’re tragically unique, oh yeah it’s such a cliché,” again splashed with rapid-fire instrumentation that could have been inspired by the Joan Jett songbook. “Practically Sure” is a fine showcase for the group’s musicality, with guitar hooks, trilling percussion and a chorus that comes at you like machine gun fire; while the fist-pumping “Fight for Me” offers a tongue-lashing, as King tells, “I’m gonna find a bad cliché, the kind that makes you with you were dead/Then I’m gonna torture myself and repeat it over and over in my head.” EP closer “Karma Is A Bitch” chants “You’re an asshole,” as she explains, “You talk about God with your hand up my skirt.” It’s this combo of ingenious messages, King’s kickass voice and indelible refrains—all neatly wrapped in 3 minutes or less—that make Bardo an easy sell. Calling all radio outlets; what are you waiting for?

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE  -  “Fronted by throaty rocker Leslie King, Bardo takes cues from the Pretenders, but rocks out with that combination of grit and glam that you can only find in Los Angeles.  Power pop with sun poisoning, as demonstrated on Bardo’s impressive premier CD “Recurring Dream.”  Next time through they’ll probably be at the Fillmore, so be forewarned.”

L.A. WEEKLY –  “If Chelsea Handler fronted a band, this might be it. Bardo create skinny-tied, sassy and sometimes funny power pop wherein sheer quality and Leslie King’s slinky timbre trump any originality shortfall. Their poison is turn-of-the-’80s, guitar-based new wave: The Pretenders (a lot), The Knack, Blondie – and even an odd nod to Toni Basil’s “Mickey” (on their flagship “LA is in My DNA” ditty). Their songs are urgent exercises in efficiency, with King’s spunky ‘n’ punky vocals also capable of being barfly wounded (“Run”), vulnerable/yearning (“You Like Me A Lot”) and incongruously Alanis Morrisettish(“Free To Go”). Teetering at that rare cusp of experience and exuberance, Bardo perform with the honed technique of longtime lovers and the hair-tossing abandon of a one-night stand.”

TARGET AUDIENCE  -  Los Angeles band BARDO are a new group ready to throw its ticket in the pop rock raffle. Its new album You Like Me A Lot has the conventional pop meets punk elements that has lead to many American rock bands for nearly two decades now, but this record has a quirky, nostalgic vibe that is quickly catchy.  The song “L.A. is in my DNA” could very well be the best song about the City of Angels since Jim Morrison crooned “L.A. Woman” 40 years ago. It’s poppy, overtly 80s sound coupled with its offbeat lyrics are as unique at Los Angeles itself and could be used as the theme song for a Los Angeles cop show. The give me danger excitement of “Fight For Me” features some great loose guitar work from Rich and some hard vocals from Leslie King. It’s jamming vibe makes the song appear like it will fall apart at any moment, but the band keeps its act together until the track ends. “Cat Fight” is much more straightforward and has a driving punk beat. BARDO keeps its debut album infectious and to the point. You Like Me A Lot lives up fairly well to its name and never veers into band worship territory, a trend many new bands fall into. The album is worth a listen for fans of indie and punk.

SKOPE MAGAZINE  -  We have to admit that we have a thing for all male bands that are fronted by an energetic, talented, and fearless female. That is just the thing here but Bardo was also formed by the front woman, Leslie King. It also does not suck to have Korel Tunador from Goo Goo Dolls fame playing guitar as well. Dave Johnston is on drums and Chuck Bramlet is backing everyone up on the bass. This foursome resides in Los Angeles and describes themself as, “punky pop rock.” Leslie King is just so impressive on tracks like, “Run” and “Ain’t That A Shame.” There is no limit to how far Bardo will go. As a rock band they are truly exciting and worth getting involved with. Another example how strong the indie scene truly is.

SWIFT REVIEWS  -  Recurring Dream, BARDO has created a raw, highly energetic, captivating and consuming work of art… Throughout Recurring Dream, the band uses dynamics, fabulous instrumentation, outstanding vocals and an overall honesty and level of real that is bound to leave audiences dumbfounded and speechless.

Aug 12, 2010 Leave a comment
Posted by leslieking