Los Angeles (Lol Tolhurst, Budgie, and Jacknife Lee album)

Los Angeles is the debut studio album by the trio Lol Tolhurst (co-founder of The Cure), Budgie (drummer for Siouxsie and the Banshees), and producer Jacknife Lee. Released in 2023, the album is a collaborative effort that explores themes of place, memory, and displacement, specifically focusing on the city of Los Angeles and its cultural landscape.

The album features guest vocalists including James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem), Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream), The Edge (U2), Maryam Mirzakhani, Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Lonnie Holley, and Mark Lanegan (who sadly passed away before the album's release). Each vocalist brings their unique perspective and style to the project, contributing to the album's diverse sound.

Musically, Los Angeles blends elements of post-punk, electronic music, and art rock. Lee's production creates a soundscape that is both atmospheric and driving, providing a backdrop for Tolhurst's keyboard textures and Budgie's distinctive drumming. The album is noted for its layered instrumentation and its exploration of sonic textures.

Thematically, the album delves into the contradictions and complexities of Los Angeles, examining its allure and its darker undercurrents. It explores themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the search for identity within a sprawling and often fragmented urban environment.

Critical reception of Los Angeles was generally positive, with reviewers praising the album's innovative sound, the quality of the guest vocalists, and its evocative portrayal of the city. Some critics noted that the album's experimental nature may not appeal to all listeners.