"This one-woman band, led by Nico Ranalli
from her drum throne, has been compared to Alison Mossheart from the
Kills. But I think it’s more like if PJ Harvey tried to redo PiL’s
Flowers of Romance, especially on my favorite, the Side B opus “Without
You.” She makes some amazing choices in her sparse accompaniment–simple
piano bangs here, overblown Mellotron there."
LA Record - July 27, 2012
"Nico’s solo writing unites a range of dark and dramatic styles with exceptional vision...For me, it evokes that short-lived window in the early 80s when punk and pop influences collided in goth drama: post-punk and No Wave, those late Birthday Party EPs and early Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds albums, Suicide and Lydia Lunch."
Killed in Cars - Feb. 02, 2012
"...Lakookala and her 5 song release, "Songs For ZeMean" has an experimental sound that easily works for me and my battered ears. It's loud and artsy and worth the small amount of time it takes to consume...so get snackin'! "
Daily CD Discoveries - Jan. 08, 2012
"...This 5 track debut EP is a primal take on the singer/songwriter genre with a raw quality that invites your undivided attention. Her breathy vocals and pained intonations, which bellow from behind her drumset, are emphasized by the overall stripped-down instrumentation. "
Ongakubaka - Nov. 26, 2011
"...The songs are infectious, hypnotic...... The vocals ride and soar over the back beats and musical arrangements. The songs exist where not one thing stands out above the rest, but instead, the echoes of vocals and arrangements interplay beautifully. The sounds bounce off each other in the most positive of ways. The percussion keeps the spine aligned. The songs are compelling, draw you in, and keep you interested, but most importantly, they are simply good."
Tom Tom Magazine - Nov. 02, 2011
"...The songs from her new release "Songs for Zemean" feature heavy drums, and slightly eerie vocals. Lakookala's style really reminds us of Alison Mosshart from The Kills. With distorted sounds, and aggressive lyrics this record is following along in a girl singer punk vibe that really works.... "
Origami Vinyl - Oct. 17, 2011
"Lakookala - Bad Timing - Don't piss this woman off or she'll tie you up and torture you with awesome music!"
The Deli Magazine (print) - CMJ edition Oct. 01, 2011
"Saw an incredible show Friday night…the lead singer sounded like Corin Tucker with all the emotion, complexity, and sexy angst she could muster. She also played the drums which in and of itself is enough to get me to sing Lakookala’s praises. Grungy guitars, thrashing drums, and charged female lead vocals with some high pitched male backing, set quintessentially in the back room of Gooski’s which housed a comfortably packed crowd."
