Bristol’s own Hello Lazarus have been surfing a wave of hype since the release of their debut mini-album ‘All Alliteration’. Gigging tirelessly and working hard has certainly paid off for the alternative rock trio as Scylla Records signed them up, released their new self-titled EP and sent the band out on a national tour to support the record. The release brings together four wonderfully crafted rock songs that span the last 20 years of popular British guitar music, descending the mountain of Brit-pop and exploring grunge, indie and punk.
Hello Lazarus introduce the EP with opener ‘Adore Implore’, and there couldn’t be a better start to the proceedings. A couple of gutsy chords chime in, followed by a progressive and off-timed rock riff, that kicks the song into overdrive. Octave chords divert the track before the vocals kick in, soaring above the instruments, both pained and passionate at the same time. It’s edgy, cool and quintessentially British, drawing a lot of instant comparison to another three-piece, Scottish band Biffy Clyro. It may just be the dynamic between the three musicians that give Hello Lazarus that instantly familiar sound, but it’s also because they clearly have a knack for writing a fantastic tune. Intricate layers sway the track, steadying when recognisable hooks are revisited. The song falls into an inconspicuous mode at times, but soon returns to the fist pumping vehemence that makes it so enjoyable. Vocal harmonies build before one final tear through the math-rock main riff brings things to a snappy end.
‘X Marks’, the first single released from the EP, begins with warm, melodic notes before switching to uplifting strummed guitars. A verse falls in, with sturdy bass, picked melodies and playful drums, the nautical themed lyrics sung with pluck and prestige. There is a brief pause before a big chorus, which increases the effect of the sing-along values. This is a real ‘heart on your sleeve’ number, which such earnest lyrics as ‘where do we go from here?’ The changes in pace are executed perfectly, proof that Hello Lazarus have the talent to make a memorable and effectual song, which is an important ingredient for mainstream success.
Minimalist guitars begin another relaxed track, sounding more like bands from around the world rather than definitive Brits (The Gaslight Anthem, The Temper Trap). A driving bass line, pounding drums and sincere vocals push the song along, diving into new territories and constantly surprising with the direction taken. It’s another visionary love song, the well-written lyrics evoking beautiful imagery with such lines as ‘all I wanted was to breathe your air’. The finale of the song has a repeated guitar scale over pulsating and quickening beats, which is an exciting end to a proficient track.
‘Ride & Seek’ returns to the high tempo of the EP’s beginning, again making use of quiet verses to increase the impact of the louder parts of the song. The chorus here is huge, seeming so much louder than the rest of the song but never feeling too much. It’s a ‘festival friendly’ track, as is the rest of the EP, spanning a wide range of genres to widen the band’s appeal.
This self-titled release from Hello Lazarus is a generous group of songs that keeps giving upon repeated listens. The band undoubtedly deserves their newfound success and can back up the competence of their recordings with a fantastically energetic and tight live show.
They will begin their nationwide tour on the 30th of March with an EP launch show at Bristol venue The Louisiana, which I definitely recommend as a great local show to attend. Not in Bristol? They’ll be everywhere from the likes of Leeds to London, so be sure to check them out!
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