ALBUM REVIEW: Diamonds – Liar Thief Bandit
Rock moves through the waves of the ocean and reaches all corners of the planet. If it’s good rock, it will wash up on shore and live among others. For the sake of Swedish outfit LIAR THIEF BANDIT, after three previous well-received records, it’s time for a new serving. Enter the seven-song-long adventure Diamonds.
The band have been teasing the record since the early days of 2022. From February to June, they have released four tracks to get the old fans and new listeners excited, giving them a rough and tough taste. The album kicks off with one of these early releases, Peace With Disaster. It’s a strong starter; bringing in the energy and the power rock demands, it gets the listener going from the very beginning. No time is wasted. No muscle isn’t moving. The sound is one that will live through the ages. A classic formula of catchy riffs, a simple percussion beat supporting everyone, and vocals that top everything off like the cherry atop a cake. It’s sweet, it’s heavy, and it’s only the start.
If there is any genre that Europe makes exceeding achievements within time after time, it is rock. Guitar-heavy melodies, harmonised power vocals, and the overwhelming induced feeling of immortality and super-strength from listening. There is something fresh in LIAR THIEF BANDIT and their style. After four records spanning over six years, it’s still new and beautiful and electric. As the record reaches its middle with Ain’t Fit To Live Here, it shows their influence for this new flow of rock music comes from the bands that ruled the stage before them. Whether that’s before their time or in front of their very eyes.
Diamonds (Are Made Under Pressure) also solidifies this classical influence. With chant-worthy lyrics and the greatest riffs on the entire record, it becomes a standout song. It’s how one should build their title track. It should be a special event. An ear-catcher. Never created on purpose, but always promoted with intent.
Diamonds is a shining star of a record. With a light beyond human explanation, it’s still far from a dream come true. LIAR THIEF BANDIT are still within their infancy in their career, even with a fun four albums under their belt. There will still be room to improve. This is a stepping stone, not a cliff: it’s a gentle rise to the top, rather than a spiteful shove to the bottom. Keep rising. Keep stepping. Hearts will soon be stolen, and ears will be pierced. And remember, Diamonds are forever.
Rating: 7/10
Diamonds is out now via The Sign Records.
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