THE LOHNERS "Pushing Boundaries"

by jenny heying

If you think the music scene in Second Life® has become stagnant, then you haven’t seen The Lohners. I caught the husband and wife team of Lacey and Lugg at the Drunken Drow, not knowing what they were all about but definitely curious. The Australian duo is refreshing and is pushing the boundaries of Second Life Live® performances.

First off, they are a duo and both play their own instruments. While they use backing tracks for some, Lugg plays drums while Lacey plays guitar and handles the majority of the vocals. Leading off with “Computer Games”, I found them whimsical, talented and a whole lot of fun. Not content to cover the typical songs, they launch into a barrage of Australian music and handle the arrangements perfectly. Lugg’s vocals on “One Perfect Day” were superb.

I found their banter with each other invigorating and enjoyed the between song drama. They are a perfectly lovable couple and a pleasure to listen to. I found myself relaxing to the songs and perking up for the conversations.

The boundaries of the Second Life® music scene are constantly being pushed. From vocals with backing tracks to playing their own instruments and now duos and groups. It’s a scene that constantly cries for the next leap.

Lacey has a strong and consistent voice that makes every song she sings clear and listenable. She carries the songs well and while her guitar playing kind of fades into the background a bit, overall it sounds awesome. Lugg’s voice is less strong but still carries well. When they sing together, it’s phenomenal.

In addition to singing and playing, they present original songs and as a compliment, you can’t tell them from the other songs. They are good. “Glad To Be In Love” was one that is worth remembering. My favorite original was "Living on Paris Time", a funky tune that had me swerving in my chair.

It seemed to be a computer themed night with “Computer One” by Dear Enemy, a Melbourne band. Something I liked about this duo was the exposure to a lot of music I might not otherwise have heard.

Jazzing things up, they leaped into “High Rollers” a self penned tune about Steely Dan. Yes they are fans. It was another step outside the box for The Lohners which they seem to do a lot of. Then covering Cliff Richard’s “Carrie” and Sting’s “Consider Me Gone” proved they can handle anything. Lacey shines on the more jazz oriented songs, but between them, no genre can tie them down. Rocking it up, they spin into Kim Wilde and wind up their show with "Echo In My Heart". A finish worth hearing.

If you really want to see how Second Life® music has progressed; whether you love live drums or guitar, great voices and original or cover songs, you really need to venture out and see the Lohners. But for pure fun and enjoyment, pay attention between songs and hear what Lacey and Lugg really have to say. You’ll be glad you did.