Album Details

• Artist: Lady Lazarus
• Album: Mantic (apartment Life)
• Label: Apartment Life Records / self-released
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2011-02-01

Plastering some experimental noise and covering with hallowed lyrics doesn't always captivate a listener. Luckily for Lady Lazarus (Melissa Ann Sweat), she has more than just an impressive construction of dark pianist thoughts. When Sweat allows herself to let go of her vocal chords, she may just stumble onto something quite amazing, confidence.

This is one of those recordings that will take chances. Like the background music at your local head shop, just as you walk through to the 'tupperware' section. "Kurosawa's Dreams and Me" is the necessary melody and mood. It has, as my girlfriend may suggest, it's part in meditation or spiritual balance exercises. The opening track "Nazarite Oath" has a feverish and constant-pace, but it's the first song you'll realize vocals are not to be most remembered on this effort. Though, there is one song, where Lady Lazarus shows promise, tone-depth and a marketable crossing of deep and gloomy but delightful rhythm. Track two, "The Eye in the Eye of the Storm", carries well-planned writing and an enjoyable rising progression. An album full on experi-lounge rock has few hills and valleys, but when there present, there ever-so jolting. Track 10, "I Cant Find Me Anything" ends flavorful and carelessly with an aggressive sound. More creepier than consistent, the following track "On A Steinway" is high pitch piano with a nice pace. Then the following track "Pearl" features accordion and off-pitch Sweat, even for your own ears, had to be a little uncomfortable...just a little? 

It's like listening to Blind Melon in large helpings, its that voice you want to like permanently. Yet, you could stand no more than two Smashing Pumpkins songs in a row. What's a set of ears to do? On one end the instruments blend, unique, dark and vibrant. This is the type of release you don't say much about, cause you'll only enjoy when you DON'T know its on. Hit random play of your media software, you'll see what I mean. It's bright and early Saturday morning and you're cleaning house. Laying off in the background, just as you've finished, Melissa Ann Sweat (Lady Lazarus) is writing and writhing with her piano. Not all of it is comprehensible vocally, but the tension and tone is evident throughout this recording. Either way, a sincerity check will keep you listening to this recording. At no time do you feel Lady Lazarus is compiling and composing to become the next Spears or Aguilera, this project is focused. She has posted the lyrics to Mantic (Apartment Life).

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