Album Review: Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz – And Beyond (Self Released)

In the desert, lizards are sleepy. Hadn’t it been for a strange Doctor, who infiltrated their home, to lead mysterious experiment: he managed to give wisdom to the phlegmatic reptiles, who, freed from their initial muteness, decided to follow Dr. Haze back in our world, to spread their knowledge. Brace yourselves, the “lizardz” are here, and they won’t be silenced again!

Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz will release their debut album ‘And Beyond’ on November 13th, 2021.

Promising a blend of stoner and prog, the weirdoes that are Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz certainly aim for the stars with this debut release. Beginning with the atmospheric and cinematic Snow. Melody driven, haunting, cold and unusual… it’s a slow but reflective start that has a sweetness to it.

It continues into Wake Up but the tempo begins to shift and we get something with a bit more bite to it. The stoner and proggy rock side of the band really emerging here for a track that is exciting, eclectic and energising. Bookended by depth filled melodies, it’s one of the album highlights.

Whereas The Temple is pure chilled and relaxed music, Open the Gate is a chunky and groovy number. Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz constantly shifting the tone of the album to keep things unbalanced but very interesting.

Every track is a mammoth undertaking but in the best ‘journey-like’ way possible. Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz are taking us by the hand along this road. You won’t understand what you’re seeing or hearing a lot of the time but you’ll be mesmerised none the less. A track like Fire Lizard might seem simple and straight-forward at first but as it goes on (over 8 minutes long), it reveals so much more depth and detail. The guitar solo alone makes this one a winner.

The Path is a short ‘intermission’ style track that is filled with weird computerised/space-infused atmosphere. One that leads perfectly into the finale of Bridge of Light and what a finale this is. A gargantuan offering, not just in length but in sound. Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz craft a finale that feels as light as air, as freeing as floating in a serene lake, as rich and warm as the early morning sun.

Wonderfully weird.

Dr. Haze & the Wise Lizardz – And Beyond Full Track Listing:

1. Snow
2. Wake Up
3. The Temple
4. Open the Gate
5. Fire Lizard
6. The Path
7. Bridge of Light

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram