Lansdowne

Lansdowne is an alternative rock band from Boston, United States, active since 2006. The group forms around vocalist Jon Ricci, drummer Glenn Mungo, guitarist Josh Waterman, bassist Mike LaRoche and guitarist Joey Ariemma.

Background

The band builds its audience through extensive touring, performing hundreds of shows across the United States. It also plays for military audiences: Armed Forces Entertainment selects the group to perform for two weeks in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Kurdistan, and this leads to work with the USO on American military bases across the country.

Releases

Lansdowne follows its debut album Blue Collar Revolver with the EP No Home But The Road. That release is produced by Mike Watts and contains five new songs plus a re-recorded version of “One Shot”, which first appears on the debut. The band chooses to issue an EP rather than a full-length album, saying that this format lets each song receive more attention.

Sound and songwriting

The group describes the EP as autobiographical and rooted in experiences from several years of touring and change. Its members say the writing reflects the band’s hard work, its movement towards a more defined identity, and a return to traditional rock and roll roots. The material is presented as a storytelling record, shaped by the road and by the stories and conversations gathered from fans. The band also says that it wants the songs to work strongly in a live setting.

Line-up changes and production

After changes in management and booking, Lansdowne adds Joey Ariemma, a longtime colleague from Ohio, to the line-up for No Home But The Road. His playing is said to add new textures and tones. Producer Mike Watts is credited with helping the band reach a more confident sound and with supporting Jon Ricci’s soulful, blues-influenced vocal style.