Here at Soundsphere we do love the alternative, and nothing gets us more excited than a gritty, subversive and truly unique new release. Therefore, we were pretty bloody chuffed to get our hands on Bad For Lazarus’ new EP, ‘BURNT!’. The title track is an absolute monster, and the EP is a must for those who can’t get enough of a truly innovative band, or anyone yet to hear the wonders of BFL.
From their earlier releases to their frankly insane live performances, Bad For Lazarus are edgy, sporadic and truly vibrant, and a band with infinite potential. In fact, this writer would recommend picking up any of their older releases (‘Fix My Fidget’ is a grimy, anthemic belter), or better yet, see them live! ‘BURNT!’ is another excellent outing for the band who are working to revolutionise modern raw rock, and the two new, original tracks are as exciting and groundbreaking, if not moreso, than any of the bands work to date.
The title track ‘BURNT!’ is a spontaneous and eruptive track, vibrating with energy throughout and truly innovative, the band’s latest EP covers new ground whilst remaining hauntingly familiar. It is a violating, jagged track, with pulsating, groaning vocal work that skips playfully between chaotic and melodic, and a raw, grimy timbre that is unpolished, ugly, but also entrancing and beautiful. At the core of this track, is an essential juxtaposition taking place; it’s chaos versus order.
The second track, ‘Heavy Sugar’, is slow, strung out, and also flippin’ amazing. Why? Because it (probably) is the musical equivalent of three days withdrawal from a heavy addiction; sickening, beautiful and challenging. It is washed and ephemeral, a fleeting beauty of serenity and uncertainty, drawling and hynotising. ‘Heavy Sugar’ really is a must hear, and although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, like marmite or err, really rough sex, you will either love it or hate it.
The EP also comes bundled with a couple of remixes of the title album, and unsurprisingly they are not hugely stand-out tracks, however this is a minor criticism for a hard-working collective of achieved artists. The Roman Remains remix is a particularly interesting one, and while a tad excessive, is a fresh perspective for a truly chaotic blend of acute, distorted vocals, and convention-defying, alienating electro.
In summary then, give it a listen! Whether you’re a die hard fan, or a new convert, the EP certainly attempts to break new ground and should tie you over until Bad For Lazarus eventually release the album fans have been waiting for.
