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Stinking Lizaveta are a band you’ve heard of but haven’t heard. [Ed. note: I have. See live review here.] The Philly trio continues releasing albums and touring after fifteen years of eschewing trends and embracing creative freedom. It’s refreshing to listen to a band not entangled in any music business machine. There is no artifice to their music. They don’t rely on gimmicks or shock value. Stinking Lizaveta follow their muse regardless of where it leads them.
Sixth album Sacrifice and Bliss (At a Loss, 2009) perfects their bracing instrumental rock. While scores of bands attempt instrumental metal hybrids, Stinking Lizaveta suss out something different from tired trends. Their virtuosic abilities set them apart, particularly those of guitarist Yanni Papadopoulos. He deftly weds Satriani solo streams with jazz chords in the spirit of Wes Montgomery. Alexi Papadopoulos adds further jazz underpinning with fluid upright bass. “A Day Without A Murder” features the band at their strongest – a Shellac rhythm, Bruford-meets-Bonham percussion, guitar gymnastics laid atop. The song winds through numerous progressions, yet clocks in at less than four minutes.
Formidable musicianship has made Stinking Lizaveta a band’s band. This partly explains their touring with everyone from Hidden Hand to Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. Sacrifice and Bliss overflows with impeccable musicianship, unique song structures, and creative riffing. Stinking Lizaveta are proof that a band can speak volumes without lyrics.
OK, glad to know that I'm not the only one who hears sounds of guitar wankery here. There's a couple sounds that have effects straight out of Steve Vai circa Passion and Warfare.
That is not remotely to say this album is like guitar wankers. There are actual songs and emotion here. Good, good stuff!
I can't believe you mentioned Steve Vai. That wanker doesn't belong in the same sentence as these guys. Stnking Lizaveta rule.
Steve Vai has made some amazing, emotionally resonant music.