Atmospheric design and a euphoric metal distortion, tempo, and tone – LŸRA showcase a brilliantly unique level of artistic escapism, with the diverse and immersive four tracks of their debut EP The Weight Of Nothing.
Erosion is the opener, instantly presenting a stark contrast between moments of quiet, reverb-soaked reflection, and fast-paced metal ferocity from the instrumental. The leading voice is honest, genuine and evocative, authentically tired and consumed by this story and the rising passion and melody of the performance. Then for the hook, we enter the full force of heavy metal, a vocal scream intense but focused, purposeful, and again perfectly countered by the subsequent comfort and calm of a melancholic melody.
Nebula follows, and LŸRA turn towards their acoustic roots, for a song that’s similar in tone and effect, but entirely different in pace, presence, and style. This ethereal, mildly oriental composition is beautiful, softly intense as the energy and guitar riff gather momentum, but ultimately a well-placed sweeping soundscape that fully lets you fall under the music’s spell. The voice appears just minimally, almost Radiohead-like in its darkness and quiet contemplation – something mildly depicted also during the opener.
Creativity continues to guide, but the band remain grounded in their own storytelling and this reverb-heavy, guitar-led and lyrically poignant, poetic approach. VoidBound is hypnotic, then heavy, energising and bold. The production is impressive, juxtaposed sounds captured perfectly within a mix that holds you closely before elevating and awakening you with force.
Finally, something like electronic dance or synth-wave injects a vocal loop and style that’s bright, enchanting, intense and near-euphoric at its peak. Limits features a distinct build up, a recognisable melodic refrain and hook, and an unmistakable riff and tone at the forefront.
This epic closing track is a personal highlight, perhaps for how satisfying the wave-like arrangement is, complete with its highs and lows, but also for its creativity, the sense of expression and humanity, the fragmented concept and personal reactions, the torment and chasing; the reflective depth. It’s a less heavy set-up, but still in keeping with the unique aura that is LŸRA.
A gorgeous way to wrap things up, an addictive track that begs for you to listen more than once, and which proves all the more rewarding once the words and movements become familiar to the listener.
Find LŸRA on Instagram, X, Apple.
