LIZARDS EXIST

Towards the end of 2014 I decided I was going to review as many new albums by new (less known) artists as I could. Unfortunately, too many albums that I "forced" myself to listen to ended up being a regrettable inwastement of emotional energy .. well, at least I can get some solace from the fact that a few hundred dollars went towards the noble cause of "supporting art" .. whatever.

Thankfully, the Lizards Exist turned out to be a real treat - and the only 2014 debut album I really liked and am going to listen to again (and again). Here is why, in broad strokes:

- The quality of production leaves nothing to be desired - The songwriting is absolute top-notch - In the "taste and measure" category, the Lizards score as high as Pink Floyd in their heyday - The album is fully instrumental, which is a huge plus in my eyes - You can call me a weirdo to my face, but album titles are important. Lizards Exist is one of the best album titles "prog" artists have ever come up with. Ever. - The Lizards plays very well in the car and other less-than-hifi circumstances

Here is one and only thing that keeps me from awarding the Lizards 5 stars: boy, do I wish the bass and the drums (especially on "58") were a little jazzier .. can't feel them groove (I guess?).

Please, please get this album out on a physical carrier, with proper album art. I would definitely love to have it on vinyl.