Review Summary: Poppy and funky, Liezer brings a more human element to the old style techno.
Every so often artists feel compelled to dig up the past in an attempt to uncover the future. Minimalist composers Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich preferred Medieval-era music to the rigorous serial methods of their time. Kurt Cobain had more interest in early 70’s punk than late 80’s glam. It should come as no surprise then that many people are claiming the 90’s have returned. While we’re seeing a resurfacing of many artists of that time, were also seeing emerging artists that are predominantly influenced by that era. One such artist would be Liezer.
Liezer is the moniker for Brooklyn based musician Brian Paul. Liezer combines is own home brewed drum playing with buzzy synth tones and ambient drones. The album most closely resembles early 90’s techno artists such as U-ziq and Orbital. However, given that all the drum parts are performed live, the record has a distinct sound among a style of music that primarily featured drum machines and samplers. This performance-based approach often drives the music toward a funk sound, rather than a thumping club style. The track ‘moose’ puts this on full display with an erratic bass line hovering around a highly syncopated drum part. Drummers themselves may be particularly delighted by the passionate emphasis on percussion as well as the occasional virtuosity.
While the drums are an important aspect of the music, the music isn’t constantly revolving around it. In fact the album is quite dense at times with thick counterpoint and multiple ostinati. Tracks like ‘happy daze’ and ‘tranedx’ feature multiple melodies anchored by a consistent drum pattern. At the height of this constant activity is the track ‘eroi’. With gradual glissandos, repetitive arpeggios, and improvisational drums, one is forced to maneuver through the mess with little time for breath. This sense of chaos and clutter may overwhelm many listeners. However those who don’t mind tracking multiple parts while listening will be rewarded by the mayhem.
The music is as experimental with it’s production as it is with it’s content. Bizarre uses of flanger are tinged throughout the track ‘mistimage’. Alien sounding samples often appear out of nowhere. Synth effects are used to create creeping pitch bends as standard harmony is thrown out the window. All of this culminates to create a strange and psychedelic experience at times.
With all its experimentation though, the album doesn’t hide the fact that it’s aimed at a nostalgic happy-go-lucky kind of vibe. With bouncy delay effects and heavy reverb, this album is blatantly propelled by music of the early 90’s. Periodically and shamelessly drifting into cheese and dare I say ‘new age’ the record may put off certain listeners. At the heart of Liezer’s music though, is a desire to arouse the emotions and engage the listener through subtle changes and unique textures. Those that can keep up with the frantic pace and commotion will find a sincere sound beneath the hectic action.
