Liz Lawrence’s debut was released in 2011. She’s been busy since, with various other projects, but Pity Party sees her return with a superb sophomore album.
We’ve all been there at the start of a party. You arrive too early, there’s only you and the hosts there and just a handful of people filter in within the next hour. It’s awkward and uncomfortable. Then the fourth and fifth drinks hit, people start walking through the door and the DJ cranks up the noise. Things begin to flow and the party finds its stride, ready to take on the night. There are a few sombre moments – like when you head upstairs to look after your mate who’s fucked it, again – but overall, the adrenaline of the party keeps you bouncing until the early hours, and as a bonus, the hangover the next day isn’t too bad. You even manage to get dressed and go for a walk. Well done you.
Liz Lawrence’s Pity Party adopts a similar format. The opening tracks are shy, one-paced and awkward, but once it gets through that stage, the album bursts into life and finds its groove. From track three onwards, Liz steps into it and starts to strut through the house with a feather boa on, a full glass of red in hand, not giving a fuck. It’s no surprise the album has a swagger: as Liz said to us, she prefers music that makes her strut.
With any party, there are highs and there are lows. There’s a growing confidence across Liz’s sophomore LP, despite a stuttering start. It probably won’t set the world alight, but Pity Party is an enjoyable listen that, unlike a typical party, doesn’t leave your head banging the next day, and makes you want to do it all over again.
Haiku Review
Slow start – don’t be fooled:
A long hiatus over,
Lawrence finds her groove.
Order Liz Lawrence’s Pity Party on vinyl, here!
