Lionize – Destruction Manual
1.) Your Trying To Kill Me
2.) Savior Of Fontana
3.) Dumb & Dangerous
4.) Nation Builders
5.) Figureheads/Secret Of The Council Of Eels
6.) D.C. Is Tropical
7.) They Arrive
8.) Lava Rock
9.) The Alhambra Inn
10.) Killers & Crooks (Feat. David Hinds & Selwyn Brown of Steel Pulse)
11.) No Exit
12.) Surrender
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: Feb 8th, 2011
Record Label: Hardline Entertainment Records
Artist Background:
In between the two hundred tour dates a year that are scheduled, Lionize has continued to create melodies that have electrified people across the nation. Hailing from the east coast, the five-member group has already successfully intertwined the west coast sound and American rock. Following Danger my Dear (2005) and Mummies Wrapped in Money (EP), their 2008 LP Space Pope and the Glass Machine was elected the best reggae/soul record by High Times Magazine in 2010. In the midst of a nationwide tour with Authority Zero and Streetlight Manifesto in 2011, Lionize will release Destruction Manual on February 8th, 2011.
Album Review:
Destruction Manual combines the best of both worlds. Classic American rock and roots/reggae. The tantalizing bass lines throughout the whole album created many musical possibilities for Lionize. They took advantage of it, and that is why Lionize is known for their creativity and originality. The offbeat rhythm provided by the keyboards set the stage for the riff-heavy electric guitar work. I could not imagine a better setup for an exciting live show. At any point you could find yourself rocking out and jumping around, or you could find yourself grooving to the heavy reggae beat and bobbing your head.
The line Blood-thirsty like a freak of nature from the track Dumb and Dangerous characterizes much of the guitar work on the album. Furthermore, Lionize did a great job incorporating every instrument to its maximum. Very mood-fitting and appropriate guitar solos are prevalent throughout the album, but every member carries their load. The album opens up with Your Trying to Kill Me, where keyboardist Chris Brooks rips out a wild solo about halfway through the song. Percussion solos are never a bad thing either, as the band’s drummer Mel Randolph melodically beats the bongos to close out the track D.C. is Tropical.
Surrender is one of the catchiest songs on the album. Nate Bergman’s vocals are spotless throughout the album, hitting all the high notes and using different inflections of his voice when appropriate. Another highlight of the album is the guest appearance on Killers and Crooks by David Hinds and Selwyn Brown of reggae legends Steel Pulse. Many of the songs lyrically are pointed at a particular audience, rather than telling a story.
After a first listen, it was hard to decide between Destruction Manual and their 2008 release Space Pope and the Glass Machine. Lionize’s creativity and the originality pushes the scale in favor of Destruction Manual in my books, definitely not a CD to pass up on buying.
Written & Reviewed by: Matt Emodi
[Editors Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer, expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, not the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]