ALBUM REVIEW: Lizzy Farrall – “Bruise”

By Rachael Dowd

After being introduced to Lizzy Farrall and her music last summer when she opened for The Story So Far at London’s New Cross Inn, it was instantly clear the moment she emerged on stage that she is a fireball of energy and originality. Fusing together various musical influences to create her alt-pop sound that is distinctly original, Farrall is about to take the scene by a storm with her debut full-length album Bruise which drops tomorrow. 

Signed to Pure Noise Records, Farrall worked alongside producers like Chris Curran (PVRIS, Handguns) and Anton Delost (Bearings, Seaway) to bring her debut album to life. Full of angsty lyrics, pop-centric melodies, and captivating vocals, the 10-track album greatly shows Farrall’s unconventionality and genre-bending tendencies. 

Titled Bruise, the album artwork features the definition of the word: “ephemeral pain which leaves a purple mark that can last for days, a reminder that none of this is permanent and will soon fade.” The definition, though simple, perfectly encapsulates the subject matter and storytelling featured on the album, Farrall digging deep into her own personal turmoil and experiences to create the cohesive collection of songs.

The previously released single “Addict” opens up the album with a bang, introducing the catchy pop sound and critical lyrical content that are weaved throughout the whole release. As one of the strongest and most memorable songs on Bruise, this is a track I frequently keep coming back to and find myself absentmindedly singing the chorus “I’m an addict / I’m losing my mind/ pocket full of posies / anything just to make you mine” in my head throughout the day. 

“Love No More” offers a unique listening experience on the album. Taking the production down a notch, the track allows both her vocals and lyrics to take the forefront, showcasing the strong songwriter she is. With lyrics like “I’m trying to make sure your words never cut my skin / but I still wish you could’ve been my everything,” the song’s vulnerable inspiration is paired with a more muted pop tempo, allowing listeners to connect with the relatable story she is sharing.

Fusing together nostalgic pop elements and foot-tapping beats, “Knight Rider” is another incredibly strong moment on Bruise. Reflecting back on moments from a past relationship, “Knight Rider” is strong both conceptually and lyrically. With lyrics like “take my body / take my breath / and promise me you’ll call / because I don’t want to be broken no more” and an unforgettable saxophone solo in the bridge, “Knight Rider” has all of the elements for a summer anthem fans will keep hitting the replay button on.

If there is one song that encapsulates Bruise as a whole, it’s “Okay.” With the recurring lyrics, “I don’t need nobody, I don’t need no one” echoing throughout the song, the inspiration of “Okay” heavily reflects back to the album’s title and the meaning behind it. No longer hiding behind flashy upbeat production, it is the most vulnerable moment on the entire release and will surely be a fan favorite for years to come. With the simple layering of her vocals and a piano in the background, the stripped-down song is truly a turning point for Bruise as it comes to a close, allowing listeners to reflect back on the personal stories and critical thoughts Farrall shared with them on prior tracks.

For many artists, their debut album can lack both cohesiveness and a strong concept as they try to figure out their sound. This, however, is not the case for Lizzy Farrall. Despite the fact I find myself frequently skipping over the track “Games,” it is still inevitably clear the direction Farrall is taking her sound. Exposing her inner thoughts and past experiences to create a cohesive album listeners can dance, cry, and relate to, this is an excellent debut album worth listening to. Lizzy Farrall has arrived and she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.