ALBUM REVIEW: Imposter Syndrome – Sophie Lloyd

November 7, 2023 Amber Denwood

Living up to a predetermined reputation can be tough at the best of times. So, when you’ve got over a million YouTube subscribers, videos with over 5 million views, and a lengthy stint spent as a touring guitarist playing huge arenas — before your debut album is released — the pressure is on. And thus it might be fitting that the first full-length record from SOPHIE LLOYD, one of YouTube’s most prolific guitarists, is titled Imposter Syndrome. Achieving such a wild list of achievements at any point would be a lifestyle change. But doing this after getting used to the tough grind of recording multiple YouTube shred covers, and playing small scale shows would put anyone’s head into a spin.

That said, listening to the album it is hard to imagine Lloyd feeling this way. Being a professional guitarist, you already know to a certain degree that there are going to be fantastic solos and shreds throughout the record. But Lloyd takes it a step further than that. In fact, there isn’t a moment that misses. Every second of every track is well thought-out to ensure you can fully appreciate her talent with a guitar. It’s an album that would still score highly even without vocals, but this doesn’t mean that the vocals aren’t appreciated. The line-up of guest artists is an impressive one; from Michael Starr to Matt Heafy, and of course the powerful vocals of Lzzy Hale on the title track, it is an all-star selection that shows just how big of a name SOPHIE LLOYD has already made for herself in the scene.

The album starts as it means to go on, with a solid metal guitar riff. It’s like the establishing scene for a movie, letting you know you’re in for a wild 11 tracks of talent. Do Or Die is a fast-paced powerhouse of a track, proving Lloyd’s roots in metal have made their mark on her musical style, and she’s here to stay. Imposter Syndrome itself is a track that is as emotional as it is powerful. Lloyd and Lzzy Hale are a musical match made in heaven, both with an established, iconic sound that compliments the other to create a song that hits in all the right places. It’s a track that could come from a rock superstar in the height of her career, which isn’t far off the truth.

Another hard-hitting track is Runaway, featuring Michael Starr. The guitar work here oozes skill without ever coming too close to gloating, while Starr’s more laidback vocals allow Lloyd to lead the way with her music. In short, it is the perfect track for a guitarist’s debut album. Won’t You Come is a track that really highlights Lloyd’s signature sound with long, meandering moments of guitar guiding it to greatness. It’s an empowering moment on the album with screamed vocals adding something a little different to the mix, and quiet choir-like sections showing that Lloyd’s instrument skills stretch far and wide – she’s not a musician with one trick.

While these are all tracks that stand out, there isn’t a low point on this album. It’s a mix of golden tracks, tied together by the common thread of some seriously skilled guitar work. Imposter Syndrome is an insanely strong debut which is guaranteed to end up in the heavy rotation of most rockers. And, with her talent, SOPHIE LLOYD is sure to continue to rise from here on out.

Rating: 9/10