The Hamilton Spectator
ROB LAMOTHE - Long Lazy Curve
Cargo/Fallensky Records
Maybe the long lazy curve of Long Lazy Curve is the line of the snake that patiently winds itself
around you, and sometimes cuts off your breath a bit as you listen. It's a snake of music, words
and voice, figures and colours on its scales, and you don't even know at first what it's doing to
you.

It starts with a lone guitar and a spare vocal, in a simple 90-second song setting. And it builds
to the mysterious atmospherics of Goodbye Calgary, and beyond. And it's almost like the music
playing to a movie that you see in glimpses, more powerful for that. All you know is that it's
about someone (maybe you) being shattered, forgiven, making mistakes, over and over, learning too,
and coming out brokenly beautiful.

It's more tough and sinuous than sentimental, working by misdirection, strange poetry and haunting
harmonies ("you were the girl on the beach"). By the time Lamothe sings at the edge of his voice
on I Don't Walk Alone, you might be surrendering. I mean surrendering. I hate it when that
happens. I love it when that happens. I love this album.
From Exclaim Magazine
  Hamilton, ON native Lamothe has had a long and varied career, although he remains more of an
industry name within Canada, having co-written several hits for others in recent years. Long
Lazy Curve has the potential to bring him a wider audience, as its 12 tracks beautifully
showcase his strong country soul voice and dramatic knack for storytelling. While the production
may be a tad slick for some, it's only because Lamothe has enlisted some top guns to help out,
including guitarists Colin Cripps, Les Cooper and guest vocalist Lynn Miles. Lamothe's lengthy
experience as a songwriter is obvious, as each track sounds effortlessly put together, with
infectious melodies and catchy choruses abounding. If there is any fault to be found on Long
Lazy Curve, it may be that Lamothe executes a little too well, to the point where the album
almost sounds like a commercial-free AC station. However, that's no reason to criticise someone
for showing off skills that most songwriters dream of possessing. "Good Enough for Me" and
"Broke Down Train" have a particular swagger that would serve them well on radio.
Hopefully, this album will be the breakthrough Lamothe deserves.
By Jason Schneider