I have been a fan of Finland's Black Lizard for several years. Their sound to date has been an updated blend of psychedelic shoegaze that echos The Jesus and Mary Chain, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Solarize, their second LP, reveals and expanded musical concept, with elements of '90s alternative rock and a broader array of instruments to the original garage rock/psychedelic palate. The atmosphere is refined as well. While still mining the dark side of their sound, this album lets in some sunshine.
The album begins with one "Everything and Nothing", which is one of the tracks that is most representative of the band's expanded range. Boasting a buoyant and engaging groove, it is a swaggering delight. The fifth track, "Harmonize", utilizes a post-punk, synth-based approach to expressing tension, with more space and a slower tempo than the other songs. The other seven tracks reveal Black Lizard's increased confidence in their brand of psychedelic garage. For my money, "All Her Time", "Prefect Dope" and "Helpless" are most memorable. But there are no weak spots. Play it end to end and you are living in a rock and roll fantasy.
Black Lizard are Paltsa-Kai Salama (vocals/guitar), Joni Seppanen (guitar), Luri Lyytinen (bass) and Onni Nieminen (drums/percussion). Solarize is out today via Helsinki's Soliti Music in vinyl and digital formats.
Soliti Music
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