ALBUM REVIEW: By Design – Amongst Liars
Eastbourne rock band AMONGST LIARS might’ve only formed in 2020, but they have already earned acclaim from the likes of Kerrang!, Planet Rock and BBC Introducing after they released their debut self-titled album in July 2022. But with their unique blend of energetic rock music, it’s no wonder the music world can’t get enough of this band. They also released an acoustic EP in late 2022, as well as completing two headline tours and supported THEORY OF A DEADMAN twice in the UK. Now, with their 2024 sophomore album, By Design, AMONGST LIARS look set to continue their world domination.
Across eleven songs, the band take you on a musical journey like no other. Whether it is the synth introduction of Prelude, the synth-rock of Ready For This? or the fast-paced rock of You Are Not A Slave, the first three songs pack a powerful punch and the band leave no stone unturned in their quest to be as musically diverse as possible.
The title track is a synth-heavy rock song whose laid-back production means that the lyrics are front and centre. Furthermore, guest vocalist Felin is a perfect match as her vocals merge really with with AMONGST LIARS‘ vocalist Ian George as the contrast between the angelic and the rough are produced to not be too overwhelming.
Lyrically, the album is a masterpiece in talking about mental health, politics, and other serious topics. Whilst some people might view the lyrics as cliché, such as the repetition of “You are not a slave” in the song of the same name, but it is a testament to the times that we live in that the message bears repeating, even now.
A highlight of the album is Say, an acoustic song complete with a violin that is raw and emotional when it comes to the topic of mental health, especially with the lyrical plea of “I want to be free of this callous disease that is eating my mind“, which will strike a cord with the listener. Throughout the album, each song has its own unique identity. But the production on the album means that none of the songs overwhelm each other, even if the band throw everything but the kitchen sink into it. This is because of they are smart enough to use the genre of rock, which is broad enough to allow them to be as experimental as they want.
Overall, AMONGST LIARS have outdone themselves on By Design. They have successfully avoided the sophomore slump and have instead pushed themselves sonically and lyrically to create an album that is both of the times and also timeless. By making sure to stick to the broad genre of rock, AMONGST LIARS allow themselves to explore several sub-genres, which sound natural when put together on the album. Furthermore, the production means the even the more electronic-heavy songs are not overwhelming to listen to. But it is lyrically where the band truly shine as they examine everything from politics to mental health with a lot of honesty. Keep an eye out for AMONGST LIARS; they are a name to watch.
Rating: 9/10
By Design is out now via Earache Records.
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