NOC ZYWYCH JASZCZURÓW (OFFICIAL BOOTLEG)

LIZARD are a band I recommend to all lovers of KING CRIMSON and UK style. This is seems to be notorious fact about the band, but they really feel the sense of music of mentioned bands. Not only they are confident enough with their instruments to produce great versions of their idols' intricate classics, but they can develop the style for their own needs. And they have a lot to say, since their lyrics are amongst the best I've ever heard. Sadly, all their beauty is best shown when heard in their original language, Polish. This album shows two faces of early LIZARD: covers of KING CRIMSON and UK and their own material from first album "W Galerii Czasu". Of the first I most appreciate brave, dynamic version of "In The Dead of Night" and the opener "21st Century Schizoid Man" with the intriguing guitar middle part, great substitute for lacking saxophone. Of the latter, "W krainie szmaragdowego jaszczura" is standing out, with intensive closing section. The copy in my possession is Metal Mind 2003 rerelease and it is enriched with three live versions of tracks from the first album, namely "Autoportret", "Strefa Cienia" and "Ogród Przeznaczenia". Out of these I distinguish "Autoportret". I've never spotted such subtle keyboards in KING CRIMSON and lyrics are as dreamy as the best Sinfield's efforts. Moreover, they are sung in delicate way by Damian Bydliński. All in all, the great portrait of early LIZARD for those KING CRIMSON and UK fans who are looking for the band in this vein. However, LIZARD's style today is different and their shown their best with later albums as "Tales From Artichoke Woods" and "Spam". Therefore I mark it with three stars. More than an album for collectors only but this is not an excellent addition to any prog rock music collection. Not everyone has to love KING CRIMSON greatest followers.