For a band that have released six full-length studio albums – seven including this one – Maryland quartet Lionize have eluded mainstream recognition. That could be all set to change with ‘Nuclear Soul’, an eleven track journey through rock, blues, soul, funk and gospel that could get a completely severed foot tapping again.
Lionize are at their absolute strongest when firing on all cylinders. Stormers like ‘Face Of Mars’ and ‘Power Grid Blues’ are certified dancefloor fillers, with Nate Bergman’s soulful vocals bellowing over the organ-led melodies behind him. Lead single ‘Blindness To Danger’ is probably the most definitive snapshot of what Lionize is about: blaring keyboard lines, sassy vocal hooks and inescapable groove. When that organ solo drops in the middle you’ll struggle not to grin like an idiot, and in Lionize’s books that’s got to be a win.
The most obvious point of reference for Lionize on these more lively tracks is Clutch, who the band have toured with several times, but despite this palpable influence Lionize undoubtedly have their own sound, much more upbeat and positive than their direct peers.
More mellow tracks like ‘Ain’t It A Shame’ and ‘Let You Down’ showcase the band’s ability to strip things back and let the songwriting speak for itself, whilst title track ‘Nuclear Soul’ takes an ambitious wander to more progressive territory, heavily channelling Led Zeppelin and even showing hints of The Mars Volta at times.
‘Nuclear Soul’ is absolutely littered with hooks and melodies that will lodge themselves firmly in your cerebellum long after it has stopped playing. If you feel like your life is currently missing some raucous, energetic, groove-laden rock, perfect for beer-fuelled parties and long drives (but obviously not a combination of the two), then look no further.
LIAM KNOWLES