Sadly, not for me and nor for my friends Amongst Liars, who have been slogging it out on the grassroots circuit since lockdown, and now present to you their debut album. After a flurry of singles, hungrily devoured by a rabid audience, they now give us the whole thing munch on.
From the sunlit uplands of the south coast or ‘darn sarf’ if you will, they are an uncompromising bunch of ruffians, a world away from idyllic suburbia, and with an ‘ain’t too proud to beg, charm that draws us into their welcoming arms. Having played a small part in their story so far, I find myself once again on the receiving end of their angst, their frustrations and their ‘my blood is boiling’ rage. Opening with ‘Cut It’ the Liars make no bones about what is right and what is wrong in our world. A courage that is unequalled, a vehemence that will not be silenced and a thirst that will not be quenched, are all traits that provide the foundations for a remarkable first album.
Our politicians are an ideal target right now, so these guys make the most of the situation and capitalise on ripping them to shreds, without hesitation and without remorse. The video for ‘Burn The Vision’ tells of the ongoing chaos and the apathy that has befallen people. The sonic and visual display of power captures our physical and mental decline perfectly, a tragedy set to the music of Amongst Liars.
Please don’t let me ‘Drown’ – BMTH anyone? – is next up on this journey, a sweeping ballad, opulent and dignified. Sometimes you just want to be left alone, huddled in a corner to weep out the rest of your days, but Ian and co. won’t let you. Get up, stand up and spit back at the ‘Black Days’ scream until your lungs burst my friends, because now we have no options left. Be enamoured by these songs; this is maverick music for the masses. We finish on a momentous note, ‘Without Grace’ comes out of the cannon and attaches its tender hooks onto your ears and begins to crawl through your auditory canal, and then releases a deep sigh to signal we are home at last.
Experience the shifting of musical tectonic plates, the quiver of the ley lines as they try to adjust to the tremors, volcanic and destructive, that emanate as soon as you press play.
Through the friendships, the failings, the false starts and the falling aparts, your trust in Amongst Liars is reciprocated unequivocally. I don’t know about you; my timbers have been well and truly shivered.
Azra Pathan
Amongst Liars – self titled debut album out now.