Album Review: Lizzard – Eroded (Pelagic Records)

Formed in 2006, when Katy Elwell (drums), William Knox (bass) and Mathieu Ricou (guitar & vocals) met and discovered that they shared a common vision in music, Lizzard soon set out to work on their sound with a mission to find their own idiosyncratic approach to contemporary rock music – music that makes confident reference to the past without romanticising it.

In many ways, Eroded is a trip back to the best parts of the 90’s, but in the sound of now. It will be released on February 19th 2021 via Pelagic Records.

After a memorable intro of melody (Corrosive), it’s Blowdown that has Lizzard stand up to be noticed. Their fascinating approach to rock taking us on a wild and wonderful trip through incredible sounds. The ringing guitar riffs (very Gojira like), the smooth and rich vocals, the chuggy percussion… it’s a great start.

Haywire has groovy verses and a hell of a catchy chorus with bursts of fiery intensity to keep things hot. Whereas Flood explodes with renewed life that has a danceable quality to the rhythm, Hunted’s guitar riffs and licks are playful and fun to hear and The Decline burns brightly with energy and thoughtful passion.

Things then get dark and lovingly mellow though with the title track. Lizzard showing just how effectively they can touch the soul and soothe the mind. It’s arguably the most ‘simplistic’ track heard so far but that doesn’t reflect how powerful it is. Usque Ad TERRAM then keeps things mellow with a short, echoing and distant sounding melody that is barely 2 minutes long.

Before it bleeds perfectly into the passionate and depth-filled Blue Moon. The harder chorus is particularly on fire and the subtle effects dotted around are very intriguing. It’s followed by the absolute beauty that is Inertia which bridges the previous track and the following finale of Avalanche. The depth of the guitars resonates and the mournful vocals shine brightly. The anticipation for a meatier sound builds and Lizzard deliver with one of their best head-bangers on the entire record. A glorious finish to an album that consistently delivers exciting and intriguing moments.

Lizzard – Eroded Full Track Listing:

1. Corrosive
2. Blowdown
3. Haywire
4. Flood
5. Hunted
6. The Decline
7. Eroded
8. Usque Ad TERRAM
9. Blue Moon
10. Inertia
11. Avalanche

Links

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