Local band launches album

On Saturday, Jan. 6 local blues-infused rock band, The Lions Rampant, is scheduled to host a CD release party at the Northside Tavern.

The three-piece band, all formerly Northern Kentucky University students, has been playing together since 2004.

The Lions Rampant singer Stuart Mackenzie is a Cincinnati area native and has been playing with the same drummer since high school.

"(Cincinnati has) a really good, supportive, local music scene," Mackenzie said about his home city.

"There's great music being made here, and that's good for everyone."

The band is attempting to try something new this weekend by giving their EP away without charging for it alongside the already free admission.

"We're trying to do something a little non-traditional by giving the EPs out," Mackenzie said. "If people enjoy our music then we'll give it to them for free, we'd rather money not be an issue."

With influences extending from the John Spence Blues Band to the Pixies the group has an eclectic sound.

However, they have something none of their influences ever managed to do; wear lion suits.

Since the band won a battle of the bands at NKU while wearing the custom-made suits, they've made it a part of their routine concert attire.

"It's really bad when bands take themselves too seriously." Mackenzie said.

"There have been shows I didn't want to play but once you put that lion suit on, there's no going back."

All members of the band are area natives but have contemplated whether or not to consider themselves a Cincinnati or Kentucky-based group.

Although, the deciding factor came during their recording sessions.

"Since we recorded in a trailer, I'll say we're from Kentucky," Mackenzie said. The laid back, whiskey-filled recording sessions resulted in the band's five-song EP, Half Women Half Alcohol.

The band plans to send the copy out to labels and eventually record a full-length album.

"A lot of local bands are doing really well with labels," Mackenzie said. "Ideally I'd like someone else to pay for [our next recordings]."

The band has acquired a knack for playing live.

"I really like to entertain people," Mackenzie said.

"If we play a show and people are entertained, it's the best feeling in the world. That and chicks."

In the past year, the band has played at different venues around the city including the Southgate House, Topcats, The Madhatter, The Poison Room and Dirty Jacks.

The Saturday event begins at 10 p.m. at the Northside Tavern located on Hamilton Ave. with opening act, The Turnbull AC's.

The Northside Tavern does not charge admission to any concerts held at the venue.

"We've never played at the Northside Tavern so I'm pretty excited about it," Mackenzie said.

For more information about Lions Rampant visit www.thelionsrampant.com.