Killola, a four-piece American So Cal alt-rock group, consists of Lisa Rieffel (lead vocals), Mike Ball, (guitar), Dan Grody (drums) and Johnny Dunn (bass). Their style is primarily 'Garage Pop' with punk and pop/electronica influences. From what I have been able to uncover, Lisa Rieffel is one busy girl. With her popular web-series Girltrash!, acting in different TV series (NCIS, Party Of Five, The King Of Queens), and pursuing her musical interests with this band, she is definitely on the move. The band has been at the forefront of reforming the music industry with clever distribution ideas. This album is no different in that it has been released on a USB “dog tag” which is turned up a notch with extras and updates.
From their press release: “Fans who purchase the Killola USB dog tag receive not only the band’s new album, “Let’s Get Associated”, but also their previous studio albums (Louder! Louder! and I Am The Messer). In addition, when fans plug the USB drive into their computer, they also receive exclusive updates from the band including new songs, remixes, live recordings, music videos and photos. For example, once the band feels that a new song is ready to be sent to their fans, they can upload it onto their USB network, which then distributes it instantly to USB owners. “It’s not just MP3 files on a disk,” explains Killola frontwoman Lisa Rieffel. “The USB drive is interactive. It has sounds, pages, navigation, pictures, HD videos, hidden easter-eggs, and 'living' content. You can click through the Killola USB album for a good hour, just finding stuff and geeking-out on the experience.”
The album “Let’s Get Associated” was produced by Luke Tierney at Laurel Ceezy Studios and was entirely funded by the band. The opener “Mid-Day Rebel” is a rocker that reminds you of something Pat Benetar may have done (or wished she had). One of my favorite tunes on the album is “The Doctor and His Son” which is loaded with power hooks, soaring vocals, and major attitude. Another killer is “Cracks In The Armor” which is one of the stronger power pop songs out there right now.
Overall, the band's sound has expanded over the last three albums with this being their best effort to date. They have been touring the U.S. and garnering rave reviews, as well.
