Astro Lizard – On A Bluemoon
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Release: 20.07.2023
Label: Self Release
Duration: 47:05
Genre: Rock / Progressive Rock
Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Ghazali
The project Astro Lizard was a year ago by the multi-instrumentalist Khaled C raised from the baptism. Meanwhile lies with On A Bluemoon presented their self-released 11-song digital debut, which piqued my interest due to its unconventional lineup.
One finds about the musician Khaled C little to nothing on the web and social media. All that is known is that he comes from Saudi Arabia and recorded all instruments and vocals in his home studio. The subsequent mix and mastering took over John Keig.
A wild ride through the rock
There is no other way to describe the debut album, because On A Bluemoon contains many facets of rock. Classic rock numbers are offered, just like the opener Cruisin’ Down the Milky Wayyou HERE can listen to. But you can find just as much blues-heavy material on I Said or even more clearly Light the Wickwhich also carries a gripping, intense guitar solo.
Audible echoes of great role models from history can be felt. In addition to the often Deep Purple reminiscent keyboard sounds can also be found in common with The Doors and Led Zeppelin. The sounds at Thick Skin remember Jethro Tullwhich does not detract from the fun of listening.
While there are constant lyrical references to outer space, the themes and concerns portrayed are very earthly in nature. Even if the sung dimensions in space are unimaginably large, the separating points of view in a relationship can differ even further. Astro Lizard gives us a little insight into the personal relationship cosmos with each song and packs this feeling into different sounds depending on the topic.
Unconventional and relaxed
Everything seems relaxed because Khaled C sings in a totally relaxed manner. Surely everyone perceives a singing voice very subjectively. That’s why I can imagine that the sometimes almost casually sung tones don’t suit every listener.
But it is precisely this singing that brings its own note and a relaxed feeling that you can also feel a psychedelic touch in some passages. In terms of relaxed songs, you can See You in the Ether call it, which floats balladesquely along and almost exudes a certain stoner feeling.
Although On A Bluemoon lives from the width of the offered numbers, I like it Astro Lizard best when it really rocks. That’s why there is HERE to listen to My Whiptail the above-mentioned homage to the 1970s and there specifically Led Zeppelin. Full of guitars, driving riff and keyboards that remind a bit of a flute. The rock friend doesn’t need more to be happy.
Conclusion
Astro Lizard’s debut is a relaxed trip through 1970s classic rock. On A Bluemoon is multifaceted, contains many quotes and, thanks to the relaxed singing, comes across as relaxed in a symphytic way. 7.5/10
Line Up
Khaled C – vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards
Tracklist
01. Cruisin’ Down the Milky Way
02. Thick Skin
03. On A Blue Moon
04. Under The Rug
05. Between the Cracks
06. I Said
07. See You in the Ether
08. Light the Wick
09. My Whiptail
10. Bad Karma
11. Frozen in Time
Links
Facebook Astro Lizard
Instagram Astro Lizard
Also on Soundmagnet.eu
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