I remember when I first heard of this band, it was in a period when it was kind of a dry season for screamo bands, no new releases and no new projects. Lizards swept in like a breath of fresh air, not only being new, but exploding with uniqueness.
When I think of "Lizards Have Personalities", two things are in my mind: perfect diversity and honest emotions. Both those things hail from the previous release by this band and are luckily implemented on this one as well. First things first, "perfect diversity". This three piece screamo band has the amazing ability to insert various elements into their songs, while making them balance superbly. A great example is the song "For Once, Then, Something" which starts aggressively only to make way to the most gentle and sorrow-filled mid part, after which the instruments erupt again in a final blast before they just drift away to the end. I know that a lot of bands use similar song construction, but sometimes it sounds...just too much, way too unnecessary. Yet here, it sounds quite natural and perfect. They know how to write complex songs without confusing the listener in the process. Everything is where it should be, with every instrument being clearly discerned even amidst the most violent songs.
The other merit of this project is, as I wrote above, honest emotion. I'll just come out and say it, the vocal is so damn amazing! It's hard to describe it, but the diversity talk can be mentioned here as well, when it's angry it's angry, when it's gentle it's gentle, an excellent ability to adapt to the desired feel of the song. But, the vocal truly excels in moments when the instruments become just part of the background, letting words come at you at an outstanding tone. A brilliant half spoken half screamed voice, at times sounding like it's moments from cracking in sadness, just plain wonderful. While we are talking about the vocal, I might as well mention that there is a lyrics insert inside the download link. Absolutely take a few moments and check them out, such a beautiful read.
I'd have to say that I imagine the mentioned lizards being chameleons, fast changing color ones that is. This is such a creative bunch of people, they really should be credited for making music this way. With this release they even showed us that they are capable of creating long, epic songs, namely the song "Snows of Kilimanjaro", a nine minute giant that is downright epic. Just download and press "repeat all", you are bound to enjoy.
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