Razor Cake:

Hot damn, what a band! After a coupla great singles and a fantastic side of a split LP, the debut full
length from Buffalo's finest is finally here. This band is such a perfect mixture of pop/punk and good
indie that it blows my mind. When I say good indie I am talking about Spinanes, Velocity Girl, Go
Sailor, and The Lemonheads. Simple, basic, warm pop songs for a crisp autumn afternoon is what I am
saying. The boy/girl trade-off vocals are to die for and the songs are just unbelievable. After seeing them
live I was blown away and have been waiting impatiently for this LP to come out. Now that it is in my
hands I can not stop playing it, it is very easy to keep flipping it over and over. Lemuria knock it out of
the park here with huge hooks, great production and real heart. Pop songwriting simply does not get any
better than this.

Hip Displeasure:

When I listen to music with a critical ear, my mind always wanders away from who and what, drifting to
the subject of when. How can I connect the dots from what I've heard before to what I'm hearing now?
An album may have a 2008 release date, but from what era does the sound originate? Is it 60s pop? '77
punk? 80s metal? For some unknown, illogical reason my brain equates chronology with credit. If it's
been done before, then bam - instant demerit. Lemuria has me rethinking my mindset. While many
bands are followers, it is possible for a band to simply approach the musical time line on its own terms.
This trio of friends from Buffalo, NY aren't behind the times, they just took their time.
The sound of Get Better is firmly planted in the 90s alt-pop/rock section of the history books. Those
were good times back then, when the lines of indie rock and power pop and punk roamed freely across
the landscape, and bands with brains and talent found the intersection of those lines, usually for the
better. Myself being a fan of said era, I've got the sudden urge to gush forth a zillion references. Aside
from possibly being a soundtrack for My So Called Life (I'm sure the group wouldn't mind sharing that
credit with Madder Rose, Buffalo Tom, and the Lemonheads), my ears pluck other tidbits from the
"alternative" decade: A riff here reminds me of the indie pop group Verbana, a riff there brings to mind
Superchunk, the smart-punk tone reminds me of Jawbreaker and/or Discount. On some notes,
drummer/singer Alex Kearns reminds me of a less croaky Brad Roberts (c'mon now, when is the last
time you've heard the vocalist for the Crash Test Dummies mentioned in a review?!). Perhaps more
impressive is the peg-dodging vocals of guitarist/singer Sheena Ozzella, whose voice ranges from sweet
to powerful, but not once treads into twee or riot grrl territory.
The album leads off with the crowd favorite "Pants", whose chorus comes at you as if running up a hill,
measured and purposeful, if only just to traipse back down again. This even, tempered approach is
maintained throughout Get Better, and makes for the unique case of being one of those rare albums
that's good at any volume. The guitar and bass are clean and exact, but never betray the album's dim,
introspective mood. The drums are driving but always staying within the speed limit. Even the songs
finish in a "hold it!" fashion, stopping abruptly so as not to get carried away in a crescendo or fade away
into irrelevance. "Lipstick" and "Hawaiian T-Shirt" have ridiculously slow but immaculately presented
payoff (or more accurately, jackpot) choruses, the value of which increases exponentially depending on
how many people are singing along. Another highlight is the double shot of "Length Away" and "Dog",
the latter of which showcases the band in a punkier setting, but also gives us Ozzella's best vocal
performance on record, maybe even one of the best I've heard from a femme-rocker in a great while (er,
possibly not since the 1990s?!).
The album clocks in at 28 minutes, but with no duds in the bunch and plenty of repeatable hits, it's a
worthy investment. We've got a bona fide early contender here, folks.

Mammoth Press:

There is nothing that makes me happier than a pop song with some genuine heart to it. Maybe that's
why I have a hard time enjoying so many of the generic emo/pop punk/pop bands seem to be littering
the musical underground. Some rich pretty boy in an ironic hip hop hoodie singing pop songs to a
template that stretches all the way 2006 for its influences s just doesn't have much credibility with me.
But contrary to the emails I've received from disgruntled Fearless Records street teamers, I really do
adore pop songs and pop music. Case in point, Lemuira.
Get Better is the debut album from the 7" obsessed pop punk band as well as their first for Asian Man
records. Building on their earlier pop punk material as well as the more power pop sound of their split
with Kind of Like Spitting, this latest batch of songs showcases the group's penchant for writing songs
that make you feel like a little kid again while tugging your heartstrings. Album opener "Pants" for
example gives you insight into the innocence and uncertainty of new love that's so good you'll never
question singing along to a line like "I told you last night, you gave me butterflies." It's the kind of
realistic honesty that you never seem to find in music these days. It's all sarcasm and anger, and not
enough butterflies.
Power pop is being taken over by an army of moronic sound a like bands who're the modern day
equivalent of the 90's ska boom. Following trends in the search of a buck. Lemuria are part of the
growing group of underground acts who are spreading the word of pop punk's glory days in punk houses
and basement shows across the nation. Get Better is a first step in what I up will be a very long career.
Think of it as their Four Minute Mile. Just think about how nice it would have been to get in on The Get
Up Kids on the ground floor. If Lemuria keeps writing records this good, this might be your chance.

3Hive:

Buffalo's Lemuria has been been a real working band since their formation in 2004. Touring, touring, and
then more touring. So after putting out various singles and EP's, their debut album Get Better is out now
on Asian Man Records. And their song below, "Pants," has triggered my obsessive compulsive disorder;
besides having me absolutely hooked, it's so catchy, fuzzy, and snappy, that after Sheena sings "You
never missed a word I tried to fit/Inside a chorus, inside a verse, all my intros and the bridge/That's
where I put all the awful things I think I am/And if you still respect me I guess I'll have a second chance"
I want to tell her that she leaves a great first impression.

Music For Robots:

Dear readers, may I get personal for a moment? Robot David is feeling old. My wife and I have been
binging on My So-Called Life episodes lately, and it made me realize how dated everything from the
nineties feels now. To the show's credit, the writing holds up very well after 14 years, but when a show's
plot heavily relies teens going to a Buffalo Tom show - well, you're not in 2008 anymore.
Lemuria hail from Buffalo, NY, and their sound is pure nineties, in the best possible way. I hear
Lemonheads, Letters To Cleo, Juliana Hatfield.
I should also point out, however, that Lemuria has a gift for melody that ensures a timeless sound. This
is the spirit of the nineties grunge-pop boom with feet firmly planted in 2008. This is no nostalgia act.
This has saved my aging insecurity.
Lemuria consists of guitarist/vocalist Sheena Ozzella, bassist Jason Draper, and drummer/vocalist Alex
Kerns. Their new record Get Better comes out April 1 on Asian Man Records. It's a good time, so pick it
up when you can. The band also tours this spring.

The Daily Couger:

You probably haven't heard of Lemuria, so take the time to listen to your next favorite band.
The Buffalo, N.Y. trio grew up on a healthy diet of Dinosaur Jr., The Lemonheads and Superchunk. The
band's earlier work, which included a slew of seven inches for indie label Art of the Underground and split
albums with The Ergs! and Kind of like Spitting, sounded like the bastard children of Jawbreaker.
Their previous recordings were full of roaring pop-punk melodies with sincere lyrics that felt like they
were being recited by your childhood best friend
Get Better is the band's first proper full-length and is being released by Asian Man Records, the same
label that launched the careers of punk-rock staples The Lawrence Arms and Alkaline Trio. The band
chose to record 12 new tracks for the album, questionably leaving off songs such as "Hours,"
"Sophomore" and "Home for the Holidays" from past EPs- tracks that would have perfectly introduced
listeners to the band's sound.
"Pants" is the first track, and shows the band's maturing sound, as the song is a mid-tempo rocker that
builds until the song's final chorus. Lemuria sticks with the straight indie-rock formula on tracks such as
"Lipstick," "Buzz" and "Hawaiian shirt," while songs "Dogs," "Fingers" and "Mechanical" have that
upbeat, pop sound that the band has been playing on countless tours.
"Yesterday's Lunch" stands out the most, as it features vocals from guitarist Sheena Ozzella and
bassist Jason Draper. The song is constructed with a simple three-chord verse and a chorus packed
with pure pop, coming from the vocals of Ozzella.
Ozzella handles the majority of the vocals on Get Better, as her unique voice sets the band apart from
the hordes of others that play the same style of music. Ozzella comes across as the cute and shy
girl-next-door type and almost as an accidental front woman who doesn't want the spotlight. However, all
members of the three-piece are integral parts of the songwriting, and the spotlight should be shining on
them soon.
"Get Some Sleep" is a song that showcases Lemuria as the band that can revive the style from the
Vagrant Records-era of music that was defined by bands like Saves the Day and The Get Up Kids.
Major labels and larger independents should take a long look - and listen - at Lemuria.
With Get Better, that is exactly what Lemuria did.

Centerfuse:

I've been wondering for a while how well Lemuria would pull off their first full length. They've had an
incredibly strong run of 7"s, comp tracks, and one side of a split LP, but the debut LP would be what
would really make or break them. Thankfully, this record goes beyond even the high expectations I had.
At first, I was a little wary of the slower tempo the first few songs have. It made it seem like they
might've lost some of the energy that made them great. The same intensity is there, though, just in a
different way. And they do still rock out just as much as before, it just takes a few tracks to get there.
Lemuria play something close to what would be called "emo" in the mid-90s. They make great use of
male/female vocals, and bring to mind bands like Rainer Maria or Jejune mixed with some pop punk and
some straight rock and roll. They've really worked out their harmonies to a level they never quite
achieved before. All the instrumentation is top notch as well, but what sets them head and shoulders
above most bands is guitarist/singer Sheena Ozzella's voice. She can convey emotion in just a handful
of lyrics that most singers can't reach in a whole song (see "Lipstick" and "Length Away"). One turn of a
phrase can be either exhilarating or heartbreaking.
Even with a generally slower feel to most of the songs, none get too indulgent or long-winded. The whole
record flows together like one huge piece of music, with each song barely taking time to breathe before
the next starts. Most of the more powerful rock songs come on the B side, with the one-two punch of
"Dog" and "Dogs" as the centerpiece. This is clearly meant to be taken in as a whole, and it's an
extremely rewarding listen. I find something new to love every time. This is the first really great record of
2008.

Rock Sellout:

Lemuria was supposedly an ancient civilization which existed prior to and during the time of Atlantis,
and existed largely in the Southern Pacific, between North America and Asia/Australia.
Yeah.
Lemuria is also a Buffalo-based indie pop/punk trio, consisting of guitarist/main vocalist Sheena Ozzella,
bassist Jason Draper, and drummer/vocalist Alex Kerns. They formed in 2004 and have kept busy ever
since with self-released EPs and touring.
Now however, Lemuria are set to release their debut record, "Get Better", which is promised to be full of
"tight melodic punk songs". And having heard some of the tracks, I believe they may very well be telling
the truth! "Pants" is quite irresistible in its lyrics as well as its melody, while "Get Some Sleep" is a tight
number, showing the band's ability to make good, under-2-minutes-long songs. (because that is the
magic time limit when it comes to punk, right?)
Main singer Sheena has a very endearing voice, which in combination with the label "catchy pop/punk"
might scare some, but trust me - this isn't at all like Avril Lavigne or any other pseudo-pop/punk like
that. Because this is good.

Racket Magazine:

It doesn't get much better than Lemuria's latest effort, the full length "Get Better. " Lemuria is kind of a
hard band to classify, really. They aren't necessarily a punk band or just a pop-rock band. They really
do wind up standing on there own two legs, and they do so comfortably.
Each of the band members sings, with lead singer Sheena Ozzella handling the majority of the vocal
duties. However, her voice melds so perfectly male counter-parts (Jason Draper/bass, and Alexander
Kerns/drums respectively) that it makes each song so easy to get lost in.
For the majority of this album, Lemuria's strong ear for strong musicianship becomes evident when you
realize that while they are all very proficient songwriters, and singers they recognize that sometimes
less is so much more. And it's such a welcoming thing to witness, because a lot of the time I find
myself becoming immersed in the textures of Ozzella's amazing voice accompanied by Draper's
powerful bass lines, and Kern's precise drumming.
Lemuria is done justice completely, with this full length. This is a band that I felt if could've been hit or
miss with, but in the end…the mark was met dead on.
Don't miss this release. Really, do yourself a favor and support it. It's completely engaging and textured,
and I can't help but feel that after hearing Sheena Ozzella's stellar voice you'll be convinced of the fact
that Lemuria ain't nothing to fuck with.

Eyes For Indie:

Although Buffalo pop punk all-stars Lemuria are about five hours away from Albany, I still feel a kindred
connection with them. Upstate New York pride whoo! ;-)
Seriously though.. nice to find a talented group that isn't from Brooklyn.
Lemuria certainly fits into the talented category. The band is a three-peice playing upbeat poppy songs
that you would first think should have been released on Lookout! Records back in the early 90's. But like
finding your favorite record from highschool in the used bin at a record store, Lemuria evokes memories
of happier times. Musically they  do sound like older bands such as Tilt and Tsunami Bomb, but they
pay homage without feeling tired or repetitive. Singer Sheena Ozzella has an amazing voice that makes
the group stand out from the pack.
I guess that's why they are on ASIAN MAN RECORDS keeping the dream alive for pop punks
everywhere.
BTW Lemuria just put out a new cd, GET BETTER and from the sounds of it the band is ready to kick
up a trail of dust across the country to teach the kids how to dance again.
Dudes, let me know when you end up in Albany we can high-five and represent like true New York
Staters.

Sound Salvation Army:

Once upon a time when punk rock was new, the few female performers that made an impact on the
scene were often caricatures: Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics comes immediately to mind, better
known for her exploitation and distortion of her sexuality than for her group's music. More modern
examples like Cinder Block of Tilt and Brodie Armstrong (as with the circle of female performers that
drifted in and out of her band, the Distillers, over the acts first several years of operation) have put
themselves in a similar position as that damaged legend: simultaneously putting their sexuality at the
fore and downplaying it by taking on affectations of their male counterparts when it comes to dress,
hairstyle, tattooing, and vocal performance. The result is equal parts sex kitten and violence. Others like
Hayley Williams of pop-punk upstarts Paramore and Jemina Pearl of Be Your Own Pet play up their
cuteness without shame, likely more as a marketing tool than anything. Others distinguished
themselves by operating within a punk scene but not really playing the music (Tina Weymouth of the
Talking Heads, Blondie, Chrissie Hynde). Different set of expectations, I suppose.
No matter what era or ethos, it becomes difficult to find prominent female punk rockers that exist within
the confines of a group without defining it; most of the above-mentioned groups are known mostly as
"chick groups" and are to some extent segregated from it.
About six or seven years ago I was attending the annual CJTR Music Garage Sale, a fundraiser put on
in the summer by my community radio station. CD's for five dollars, LP's for $1-$2, and thousands upon
thousands of pieces to leaf through. This summer I came across an album called, Half Fiction by a
female-fronted group called Discount. They are one of a plethora of late-90's/00's Floridian punk rock
bands influenced in equal parts by the Descendents, Husker Du, and first-wave emo. Performance-wise,
they lean heavily in the pop-punk portion of that influence, their songs typically rapid-fire paced with
thick, buzzing power chords. They released numerous 7"s on a vast number of labels, as well as three
proper full-length records.
But Half Fiction definitely stands out. Their most vital and urgent record laments the life of a
directionless early-20's year-old, the frustrations of a dead-end job and a society that just doesn't work.
Personal tales about being repulsed by the actions of a lover and extreme social anxiety provide a
window into the mind of singer/songwriter Allison Mosshart (who now plays in blues-rock dirty duo the
Kills). It's a highly relatable song cycle with only one less-than-perfect number towards the end of the
album. While the band was together, Mosshart actively attempted to deflect the usual stereotypes and
reactions that come with female-fronted punk rock groups by dressing and cutting her hair in – frankly –
very mannish fashions. The band dynamic is very unified; it's clearly not a star vehicle for the woman at
the mic.
Both Discount and Half Fiction were very much on my mind a few weeks ago when I received my copy
of Get Better, the first proper full-length album from Buffalo, New York's Lemuria. Released on the Asian
Man record label, it was a cold buy for me. I'd never heard a note of the band's previous works, having
only heard good things about them from fellow music enthusiasts.
Upon first listen, I was a little perplexed. There's just something a tiny bit off about the group's
songwriting, at the same time straight-forward but subtly quirky. Repeat listens gave me the distinct
impression that Lemuria comes off on this record a lot like Discount, only somewhat sedated (and with
male vocals). The songs are impossibly cute, especially "Lipstick," in which singer/guitarist Sheena
Ozzella laments on the some-times unfortunate preferences her girlfriend has for kissing/not kissing her.
"Yesterday's Lunch" is an insightful number about how people always think they haven't got enough until
they've gotten too much.
Rock music is obsessed with star power and the idea of a front(wo)man being the lightning rod for
whatever attention is given to a band. On Get Better Lemuria show a wealth of potential and an
incredible depth of songwriting for a young band. It would be a shame if their career went as unnoticed
as Discount's did, gaining notoriety and acclaim only once they're gone. The fact that their lead singer
has girl parts isn't their biggest selling point.

Punktastic:

Y'know what? This is just a plain good old fashioned great record. It's no frills, it's not steeped in solick
production and it doesn't rely on Sheena's vocals as some kind of gimmick. 'Get Better' is just a super
nice rock and roll record. There are plenty of great songs here with the boy/girl vocals working really
well. 'Buzz', for instance, sounds beautifully bittersweet as the vocals literally buzz off each other. With
more than a dollop of early 90s punk such as Superchunk and Jawbreaker within their sound there's no
hint of their passion and emotion sounding contrived. Instead just switch on and let the good times roll.
Because this record really does 'get better' with every listen.

75 or Less:

Welcome the return of the '90s alterna-punk sound with Lemuria! Like Velocity Girl or Discount before
them, Lemuria combine female-fronted pop punk in a way that is altogether charming. Get Better is full
of two minute songs that link together neatly like a freshly completed 28 minute jigsaw puzzle. In the
mix is melancholy punk, a la 24 Hour Revenge Therapy, as well as fun melodic pop, a la a Dirt Bike
Annie record. Totally worth getting, playing loud, singing along, and obsessing over.

The First Collection


PunkNews.Org:

Buffalo, NY indie rock act Lemuria is just about set to have a productive time in 2008. The band's Asian
Man debut, Get Better, comes out at the end of this month. The band will also be heading out on a
label-sponsored tour with the Queers, Bomb the Music Industry!, Andrew Jackson Jihad and Kepi
Ghoulie of Groovie Ghoulies fame. But before listeners join Lemuria in this pop-tastically wonderful
future, they should check out the band's past efforts with The First Collection. Gathering 17 cuts from
splits and seven-inches with a demo thrown in at the end, The First Collection is a solid overview of
Lemuria. Granted, it's not entirely representative of the band's back catalogue (where's the two songs
from the split with the Ergs!?), but there's always room for The Second Collection.
The First Collection opens with the seven songs from Lemuria's 2006 split with Kind of Like Spitting,
Your Living Room's All Over Me, and they're arguably the strongest cuts on the disc. Opening with the
jangly guitar, off-kilter drumming and organ of "Hours," everything quickly snaps together in this
minute-long pop ditty. The song is about how perfect everything feels when lying next to one's lover right
before he or she has to get up and start the day. The intimacy and sexuality of the lyrics are found
throughout The First Collection, but "Hours" is perhaps the sweetest representation of this style. "We
don't kiss / We just lay there / You've got your nose in my hair / Hands on my hips / And you're
wondering / 'Am I ticklish?'" go the opening lines, evoking a lovely image.
Other highlights from the split include "Bugbear," about the mixed feelings of being separated from a
Siamese twin; "Keep Quiet," about looking for love from unavailable people; and "Rough Draft."
Alternating between a punk and post-punk alternative vibe, these songs are catchy at one moment and
grinding the next.
The next two tracks, "In a World of Ghosts…" and "Who Would Understand a Turtle?", come from the
band's contribution to Art of the Underground's Singles Series. Faster than the Living Room material, it's
equally fun. Also included are cuts from the New York vs New Jersey compilation and a split seven-inch
with Frame. The Frame material is the weakest if only because the production quality is noticeably
weaker compared to the rest of the disc. Elsewhere, though, strong music abides.
While frontwoman/guitarist Sheena Ozzella's higher register carries most of the tunes with a layer of
cuteness, drummer and primary songwriter (12 of this CD's 18 tracks) Alexander Kerns is just as solid
with a deeper, almost bored delivery on tunes like "The Origamists Too" and "Sophomore."
Closing out The First Collection is the four cuts from the band's self-titled EP.