Lazy Eyelids – Painted Nightmare
Lazy Eyelids is a solo artist from Seattle, Washington, who specialises in a mix of indie rock, post hardcore and math rock. Moreover, his music sounds like a mix of Xiu Xiu, Carissa’s Weird, June of 44 and Sparklehorse. Following his debut album, Glacier Eyelids, Lazy Eyelids opted for smaller, yet similarly impressive EP’s.
The opener, Normandy, suffers from an amateurish vocal delivery as it opens, but quickly ascends thanks to its inventive and emotionally impactful instrumentation. The ecstatic blend of electronica and instrumentals works well to alleviate and cultivate a strong musical persona in the emo-rock scene. Electronic elements work even greater on Disorder, a hypnotic and delirious delight. The cathartic soundscape breathes plenty of life into Blood, a transported song that is as enjoyable to decipher as it is twisted. Like the opener, though, most of the songs on this track-listing have less than spectacular vocal takes. It’s uncertain whether these are a stylistic choice, are implemented to cover up poor singing abilities, or are due to poor recording conditions; whatever the case may be, they require more attention in future outputs. If it weren’t for the gorgeous Frayed, in which the vocals are clear, would I suspect the vocals are by design. Furthermore, Frayed’s focus on nylon strings, and beautiful composition, make it a clear standout. The grandiose title track Painted Nightmare easily takes the cake, though; the track is marvelously paced, beautifully composed and impressively lengthened. The prog-rock elements are as fantastically executed as they are wildly unexpected.
Lazy Eyelids is an impeccable composer in need of a more proficient producer. While the lo-fi aesthetic works commendably for the art style, there are odd inconsistencies in the execution that are limiting. Regardless, Painted Nightmare stands as Lazy Eyelid’s best output, and is well deserving of more attention.
Great
Listen to it here:
Lazy Eyelids – Painted Nightmare
