ALBUM REVIEW: Bruise – Lizzy Farrall

The fight against Coronavirus means that the struggle for musicians is becoming more difficult with each passing day. Since being on the road is not a possibility at the moment, they have to do all they can when it comes to their albums and singles. Despite this, indie rocker Lizzy Farrall isn’t letting that stop her from releasing her debut album, Bruise. Featuring a few songs from her EP, Barbados, as well as many other original additions, how does this debut fair for this young artist?

Very well, in fact. Building on the momentum from her EP and the sound from there, taking this 80s new wave style whilst keeping the production simple for anyone to listen to. The songs that were on the EP, Games, Balloon, and Barbados, sound just as great on this album as they did on the EP, with fantastic lyricism and strong accompanying music to back up the words. This is something that continues through within the other songs. There are elements that would remind the listener of FLEETWOOD MAC’s style of writing, where the music feels beautiful in its ambience, but the lyrics cut deeper into issues that Lizzy Farrall wants to discuss. Even with the music masking the song’s theme initially, it does a great job elevating the brilliant lyrics and effectively accompanying them.

The electric sounds added to the instrumentation also help elevate the music instead of hindering it – it’s all balanced very well, especially with Lizzy Farrall’s amazing voice. All this mixed together in songs like Addict, Gas Lighting, Love No More, and Okay really make this one of the best albums to listen to this year, no matter what side of the globe this person is on. Knight Rider is a beautiful duet with her and Bradley Walden, and their voices melt together so well whilst singing lyrics that are very honest and realistic when it comes to the topic of love. Okay also has to be given a special mention because, whilst it is short, it is so emotional to listen to, especially with the refrain “I don’t need nobody, I don’t need no one”. This same lyrical depth is exhibited here as well as at the beginning of the album, showing the intelligence of Lizzy Farrall, and why she is a true artist in both poetry and music.

Overall, Bruise is a stunning debut and something everyone should listen to. Each word sung is exquisite with so much meaning behind it, and the music is beautiful whilst not distracting from the song’s message. The music helps draw the listener in due to its catchiness, but the lyrics are why they stay. On this record, it’s done very well. This is a record to help through this weird and surreal time and one that will not be forgotten by the end of the year.

Rating: 9/10

Bruise is out now via Pure Noise Records.

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