Lionize – Superczar & The Vulture
Track Listing:
1.) Dr. Livingstone
2.) Superczar
3.) Black Cat
4.) Self Propelled Experience Approximator
5.) Trustafarian
6.) Machu Piccu
7.) Parlor Tricks
8.) Shameless Self Promoter
9.) Vessel
10.) Flying With The Vultures
11.) Ballad Of Ronnie Buttons
12.) Walking Away (From Explosions Unscathed)
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: December 6th, 2011
Record Label: Pentimento Music Group
Official Website: Lionize Website
Group Background:
Maryland’s own, Lionize is set to release their fifth full length album, two of them in the year 2011 alone. It was recorded at Magpie Cage Recording Studio and produced by legendary producer J, Robbins. Their music and lively performances have created a following across the map. In 2010, High Times Magazine named Lionize’s album Space Pope and the Glass Machine the reggae/soul album of the year. Now, Lionize is geared to release their first album with Pentimento Music Group.
The rock, reggae, soul, and psychedelic devotees tour non-stop, most recently at the Vans Warped Tour this past summer. This fall and winter, Lionize can be found touring the country with label mates Streetlight Manifesto, Rodeo Ruby Love and friends Reel Big Fish.
Album Review:
Given the hardships that arise in a traveling musician’s world, it would seem unbearably constraining to write and record two full-length albums in less than eleven months. But Lionize’s crafty musicianship unveils how dedicated they actually are to their music.
In Superczar And The Vulture, Lionize puts on the same front that their early 2011 release did and not in vain. Lead singer Nate Bergman’s bold voice matches the intensity level of Lionize’s musical mold incredibly well. Every instrument has a full-fledged sound and each plays a different but important role.
Songs like “Black Cat,” “Machu Piccum,” and the dubbed out track “Self Propelled Experience Approximator” give Lionize a psychedelic edge. Special effects definitely refine most of the songs at one point or another. Whether it is with the help of a distortion or any of the special effects, there is always some sort of frequency hitting your ears.
The keys play a more important role in this album compared to past albums as well. They use a hammond organ throughout the album, and often keyboardist, Chris Brooks, flaunts his abilities through quick little solos and transitions. Much of the psychedelic sound can be traced to the keys as well. The bass creates some of the psychedelic vibe in a few tracks by looping simple, but catchy melodies in which the rest of the musical harmony wraps around.
Lionize has always relied on the in-your-face routine in terms of electric guitar prowess; this album is no different. “Dr. Livingstone” was the best way to rip in to the album. I was reminded of the ultimate bad-ass anthems that AC/DC created in the late seventies and early eighties. The entrance moved into a song about being lost; “I need insurance for my optimism”. The title refers to the story of David Livingstone, a missionary who was lost in Africa for almost six years trying to find the source of the Nile River.
Overall, Lionize has released another solid album that rocks both heavily and steadily. The debut album with Pentimento Music Group was definitely a success. Pick it up today!
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]