Setting the tone with rippling and intricate drums, followed by fierce and dimensional horns, Lizard open their new single, Back Again with the conceptual lyrics, “Balls of cotton wool and an old slick on the brain, a gut feeling it lingers, it’s like the smell of rain, it’s a new day…”
Back Again expands into a funky and dynamic big-band meets soul rock soundscape, and we are obsessed. The poetic nuance of the lyricism is out of this world, as the band takes us on a cerebral journey telling the story of “someone being interested in you, who you have no interest in and do not like.”
Elaborating on the concept of the song, Lizard tell us it’s when, “They don’t leave you alone, despite your best efforts to avoid them or shut them down. Maybe you indulged them for a bit too long before giving them a hard no because it was fun? Maybe they’re just creepy? Either way they’re back again for you and they ain’t backing down. They’re Back… Again.”
We appreciate this genre of story telling, which feels refreshing and also nostalgic. The band cite Franz Ferdinand and David Bowie as influences, and we learn that they are also influenced heavily by the modern jazz of Hiatus Kaiyote and Snarky Puppy, along with the production styles of Flying Lotus and Kaytranada, although it is also clear that Lizard are creating a universe of their own.
The guitar solo is incredible and the way that the horns fuse with the vocals delivers an almost transcendental experience. The message of the song has us deep in thought about its relatable nature and how setting boundaries with personal connections is really important. Thanks for the wisdom, Lizard!
Back Again has been added to our New Music Spotlight, whilst we continue to stream Lizard‘s wider discography including Colour Blind and Smells Like Love.