Lizzy Farrall’s debut album offers something new, exciting and unique

Lizzy Farrall is poised to make herself known throughout the music scene in no time. I’m warning you now- if you’re not on board yet, hop on the bandwagon. With a hauntingly beautiful voice and unique style, Farrall will have you hanging on to every last word with her debut full-length album Bruise, out March 27, 2020 via Pure Noise Records.

Bruise opens with “Addict,” a track that starts off with distant wails of police sirens that fade into the first verse. The build from the verses into the chorus is, for lack of a better word, addicting. This is a song that will leave you humming for hours after you listen. The last forty seconds or so might be my favorite thing released so far this year, so buckle up.

“Gas Lighting” is the first real taste of that haunting voice I mentioned earlier. The verses have minimal music and are paired with a powerful chorus while Farrall’s voice floats above it all. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had goosebumps for the entirety of this track.

I don’t know what it is about “Yellow Paint” but I was drawn to it before I even pressed play. It’s so different from the first two tracks but also feels familiar with its loud, anthem-esque chorus and profound lyrics. The song features a saxophone solo that really doesn’t seem like it fits but, somehow, Farrall makes it work.

“Love No More” shows a side of Farrall that hasn’t been present on the album yet. It’s still soft, but has a far more dancey beat to it. I’d even go as far to say this track is the perfect girls night song. Grab a glass of wine, dance around, talk about all of the people who have wronged you in your life, do whatever you want as long as you’re with your best friends.

“Games” is, arguably, the catchiest song on Bruise. The bouncy keyboard and whistle lend a very carefree sound to the song, a stark contrast to the lyrics Farrall is belting out. The guitar is in the forefront more than some other tracks, adding to the juxtaposition of the rough lyrics and carefree keyboard.

“Knocked For A Six” brings us back to a ballad that once again puts Farrall’s voice at the center of attention. The song begins with the soft sound of people talking and it continues throughout. I was honestly afraid it would take away from the overall appeal but it actually enhances the feeling of loneliness this track gives off.

Farrall brings a new feeling to the album with “Knight Rider.” It’s a fun, upbeat love song that’s tinged with just a little bit of sadness resulting from Farrall’s words and delivery. It’s a lyrically beautiful song with a few surprises along the way, like a duet and another saxophone solo.

“Balloon” is another upbeat dance song, this time paired with a catchy guitar/piano part and constant drum beat. The style change in the bridge caught me off guard, going from the groovy beginning of the track to a sort of unconventional breakdown.

Listeners are treated to another ballad with “Okay,” a stark contrast from the previous happy-sounding song. Farrall’s voice is back to that haunting, goosebump-inducing style that she does so well. The lyrics are noticeably more melancholy than any others on Bruise and I especially love the mantra tangled throughout the song.

The album closes with “Barbados,” another fun track that you’ll want to dance to. Within 10 seconds, I was immediately in love. It’s no surprise I’m a huge fan of Farrall’s voice and I especially love it on this track, taking on a totally new sound in the chorus that’s downright mesmerizing. With the catchy instrumentals and clever lyrics, this is easily my favorite track on the album.

Farrall’s intention with Bruise was to make an album that couldn’t be pigeonholed, and she managed exactly that. Each song offers something new, exciting and unique. There’s no other album or artist that I could even begin to compare this to. In such a stressful and uncertain time, music has been the only thing keeping me sane and I sincerely hope this album helps some other people feel more human. Give it your full attention- put your phone down, put away any distractions and really let yourself enjoy it.