Elizabeth

What attracts us to new bands? Simply put, it’s familiarity. Sure, we can say we’re on the lookout for something fresh and new. However, in all honesty, we’re actually seeking drugs that stimulate previously stimulated pleasure centers. We want artists with new names that ignite old feelings.

Elizabeth is a Vancouver band that’s already played with Hot Hot Heat and Franz Ferdinand, bands that they compare to positively. While the band’s press has likened singer Reggie Gill to The Strokes’ vocalist, that’s not what these ears hear. Instead, Mick Jones in all his Clash glory is what immediately comes to mind. During “Death of Plato,” for instance, Gill yelps, “I’ll never let my guard down,” presumably commenting on ancient philosopher Plato’s death. The singing rolls over a really nice Cure-esque groove. Next, with “P.O.U.M.,” the group applies a bit of a ska groove to a song where the word ‘Revolution’ is shouted repeatedly.

You have to love any band that names a song after a famous heavyweight boxer. In Elizabeth’s case, there’s the track “Cassius Clay.” The chorus states, “You can’t stop the rumble,” and the music backs up these words with a quaking drum part that shakes things up but good.

Is Elizabeth original? Well, in the grand scheme of things, no. However, Hazards, Horrors and Liabilities is one fantastic collection of eerily familiar sounds. These sounds sound like they came out of the ‘80s, before alternative rock became a commercial cash cow. There is an urgency to these songs. This music is like famous last words before the firing squad begins shooting. It is what alternative music – whatever that is anymore – should sound like. There is not effectiveness without a little agitation. Do you remember when Nirvana arrived 20 years ago? That band had many heavy metal groups shaking in their spandex. There was pain and honest feeling in Nirvana songs, rather than a whole lot of the emotional bluffing that came with Sunset Strip posers. Who knows if Elizabeth has the power to wake up the music world? Nevertheless, whether the world wakes up or not, you have no excuse because you know about Hazards, Horrors and Liabilities. Get it, and let its truth sting.