Lloyd Dobler Makes A Successful Open
February 20th, 2009

If you are looking for quality new music, look no further than the Lloyd Dobler Effect. The fine-man band from Maryland has recently released a new self-titled album containing a number of songs that they played here at Westminster College when the opened for Better Than Ezra.

Like most rock bands Lloyd Dobler Effect has a lead singer playing a guitar, a lead guitarist, a bass player and a drummer; but one thing that sets this band apart is their auxiliary percussionist. Rusty Williams plays an assortment of instruments, including: congas, bongos, cymbals, chimes, tambourines, rain sticks, and even a cowbell. The other members of the band include lead singer Phil Kominski, lead guitarist Chris Bruno, bassist Patrick Hughes, and drummer Donnie Williams.

At its roots, Lloyd Dobler Effect is a rock and roll band. "Our music is danceable with lots of percussion and sort of a latin flavor," said Phil Kominski about the band's genre. "There are a log of vocal harmonies and dynamic playing, but let's be honest - it's rock and roll." The band is energetic when they play and really give off the vive that they care about their music.

Their new album "Stranger," showcases the bands upbeat Latin rhythms and eve includes some Spanish lyrics. It starts off with fast-paced guitar playing, lulling the listener into peace only to comeback with more fast-paced percussion.

If you are into contemporary sounding rock songs, "Fingertips" engages listener with cool, easy-flowing guitar playing and great vocal harmonies. It tells the story of a man's troubled life with breaking the law and the effects that it has on him.

Another great song from their album is "Radio," which contains great vocal harmonies between Chris and Phil. The album can be found at the iTunes music store or at the Lloyd Dobler Effect website, www.lloyddoblereffect.com.

Lloyd Dobler Effect was very fan friendly and stayed after the concert to meet the audience and sign autographs. "There is no point in showing up, playing, then leaving," said Kominski. It's much more enjoyable for us and the fans if we can talk and relate to them after the shows."

The band's name originates from a character played by John Cusack in Say Anything, a 1989 movie directed by Cameron Crowe. Kominski said, "We felt that this character portrayed sincerity yet lightheartedness and we try to get that approach in or music."

Averaging over 150 concerts each year, the band keeps busy and is able to visit many different places. They have now toured to forty different states and over ten different countries, and are very accustomed to touring. "You should see some of the rooms we fit five people into," said Chris Bruno.

The band has big plans for the future including a DVD from on of their live shows and more touring. Also watch out for a new album from LDE soon, "We are doing an alternate version of our songs; a kind of folk, jazz, acoustic combination," said Bruno.

- Matthew Langenhorst
The Columns, Fulton, MO