OF LIMBO Have Leveled Up With New "Unplugged" LP

Long Beach Rockers Show Versatility With Thoughtful And Emotive Acoustic Set

By RockNRollBuddhaPublished 5 months ago • 5 min read

OF LIMBO (Photo Credit = Jerry Nicholl)

Long Beach, CA Rockers OF LIMBO have just released their new “Unplugged” album, which shows a deeper, more thoughtful side of the band. They have built a reputation of performing over-the-top, rowdy and fun live shows with their high energy version of heavier rock. This new LP showcases a more intimate and contemplative side, and they show growth and are leveling up - by exhibiting how broad a range they have beyond writing and performing hard rock bangers. The album showcases a quieter acoustic sound with a mix of original songs and 3 covers of classic tracks. They produced and mixed this set of songs at their home studio, and had it mastered at Long Beach Mastering by Brian Frederick.

The Flamenco tinged instrumental “Estrada” leads off, and spotlights guitarist Luke Davies amazing dexterity, and it shows what a capable guitar player vocalist Jake Davies is as well, with them trading riffs throughout. The song moves along at a steady pace, thanks to Bassist Jason Klein (Ex-Butcher Babies) deft touch.

The 2nd track is a cover of the Van Halen classic “Finish What Ya Started”, which is a bluesy, sexy and hell raising version that does the original proud and then some. The video was directed by Brandon Vancour and filmed at OF LIMBO’s home studio in Long Beach. Jake explains “We just wanted to have fun and recreate the classic Van Halen video. We played around a little bit to make it a version our fans have come to expect. Other than that, we just followed their lead and hit up a couple babes (Internet sensations Heather Leather and Lindsey Ferrari) to dress up like rocker cowgirls while we danced around and sang along. There might have been some tequila involved…”

Next up is “Joke’s On You”, which opens with a guitar line that starts out with a slinky and sinuous tone and builds into righteous, smoldering anger - driven by hand claps and intense, plaintive vocals. Jake says “Jokes On You” is about recognizing gaslighting techniques in a relationship. You see the person feigning tears and storming off expecting you to chase after them. Most of us are all too familiar with these kinds of manipulative tactics by now. But when you first start to really recognize it, it’s a relief and kind of empowering. Because you realize it’s not you… It’s all them.”

The 4th offering “One of These Days” is one of the most cerebral songs on the album, and is a wistful look at lost love. Jake explains “You ever argue so long with someone you love that you both forget what you were even arguing about? When you lose them - you might find yourself missing those tough times. Maybe you will get the chance to say the “I’m sorry” you didn’t when you should have… One of these days.”

The LP’s focus track is a cover of the iconic Radiohead track “Street Spirit”. The song delves into the seeming inevitability of troubles and strife in life – and ultimately finding solace in love. The ethereal vocals, supported by the steady acoustic guitar line resemble the constant beating of a heart. Jake says “My all-time most loved Radiohead song. I am so proud of Luke’s guitar work on this cover. He wrote some guitar harmonies that really take it somewhere special. Our friend Lucas Holter from Whiskey & The Wolves is featured with us on this one and knocked it absolutely out of the park with his vocals. I got chills hearing him lay down his takes.”

The video for “Street Spirit” was directed by Brandon Vancour. It was filmed on a beach in the Belmont shore neighborhood in Long Beach. Jake explains “Radiohead’s video for this song is one of my favorite videos of all time. We knew we weren’t gonna be driving an airstream onto the beach and slow-mo me falling off it etc. But we wanted to pay homage to the source material. Black and white, slow-motion moments - very dreamy. Lucas Holter gave a great performance in the video as well - Super proud of this one.”

Song #6 is “Something Real” – which sounds as heart-felt as any track on the LP, and deeply personal. It’s about craving human connection, in a culture that seems to have its face buried in a screen 24/7. Jake explains the genesis of the song “It's becoming increasingly rare to just live in the moment these days; people are more fixated on documenting the experience for social media, unable to just enjoy what and who they have. Technology has divided us. We’d rather rapidly scroll through the plastic portrayal of other people's lives over existing in our own. This song is a reminder of the importance of feeling "something real". The “Something Real” video was directed by Brandon Vancour and filmed at an overlook in Pacific Palisades at Sunset. Luke describes the concept “We wanted the video to reflect where this song came from. Two dudes playing guitars together. Nothing fancy, No AI. Just putting down the phones and taking a moment to feel "Something Real" again.”

“Unplugged” is rounded out by 2 more originals – “Firetruck” and “Little Darlin’ (which was recorded live in the studio), as was the last cover – a stirring rendition of Alice In Chains “Down In A Hole”.

Jake and Luke wrap things up by saying “We grew up on the best of the 90’s MTV 'Unplugged' Sessions. There is such a magic to the natural and raw interpretation that shifting to acoustic instruments brings to rock songs. It exposes a depth of character and emotion behind some of these songs that might otherwise often go unnoticed when hidden under distorted electric guitars.”

OF LIMBO - "Unplugged" Album Cover Artwork

“Unplugged” - Track Listing

1). Estrada

2). Finish What Ya Started (Van Halen Cover)

3). Joke’s On You

4). One Of These Days

5). Street Spirit (Radiohead Cover)

6). Something Real

7). Firetruck

8). Down In A Hole (Alice In Chains Cover – LIVE)

9). Little Darlin’ (LIVE)

OF LIMBO is known for their raucous, over-the-top live shows and a unique take on hard-driving rock. With this latest LP “Unplugged”, they are proving that they are incredibly talented musicians with a broad range that goes beyond just party bangers. They have gone to another level, and the sky’s the limit. They are clearly capable of great things – and we’re looking forward to hearing what’s next.

Upcoming Live Shows

Friday, August 8th – Viper Room - Hollywood, CA

Saturday, August 30th – Que Sera - Long Beach, CA

Saturday, Sept.13th — 4th Street Vine - Long Beach, CA

Saturday, October 11th - Constellation Room/House of Blues - Anaheim, CA

Friday, October 31st – V Room - Long Beach CA

Sunday, Dec. 7th - Alex’s Bar – Long Beach, CA

OF LIMBO: (Acoustic Band)

Jake Davies - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar

Luke Davies - Lead Guitar/Vocals

Jason Klein - Bass

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