LIZARDS EXIST

2014 has turned out to be one of my favourite years for Prog and you can certainly add this album to my list of favs from that year. LIZARDS EXIST are from Croatia and they have that relaxed Psychedelic sound that I love so much, often reminding me of AGITATION FREE during those laid back moments. They also can play really well as heard on the times they break out and let loose. Although I must admit I much prefer those spacey guitar and keyboard led sections.

"Bamija" features bass and cymbals early on with some atmophere as this beautiful laid back guitar comes in. Drums join in as it picks up some, then it picks up even more before kicking some ass 5 minutes in. A calm arrives a minute later with atmosphere, I like this. "Ljetni Hit" is darker with drums, atmosphere and that great sounding guitar being picked. Some spacey keyboards as it picks up. I like the bass before 3 1/2 minutes that comes to the fore. A drum solo before 6 minutes seems out of place along with the keyboard solo, but it's okay. Laughter ends it. "58" has outbursts of power early on as the bass throbs and drums pound. It settles back as picked guitar and melancholic synths lead the way. Contrasts continue and we get some ripping guitar 2 1/2 minutes in along with prominent keyboards. The tempo and mood continue to change. Not a fan of the final minute although they are having some fun.

My favourite tune is the 17 1/2 minute closer called "Anunnaki Dance". Bass, a light beat and a spacey atmosphere standout early on as that amazing sounding guitar arrives. I'm reminded of SIDDHARTHA from Turkey here and elsewhere with that guitar and keys that echo. Liquid keys come and go then the organ floats in around 5 minutes as the guitar plays over top. So good! An experimental calm arrives before 8 1/2 minutes that is very spacey. Some crazy guitar changes all that then it kicks in before 13 minutes. The guitar starts to solo a minute later then it settles back again late.

Man i've enjoyed spinning this one, and take away the bombast and I might be giving this 5 stars.