LIVESAY – SCARS – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND EP REVIEW
AMP last featured Livesay in 2022 when they dropped their single, “Walk Away”. It was the first release off a forthcoming EP. Well, the EP is here and all four songs hit hard. Scars features “Walk Away” and three other dynamic tracks that deliver hi-energy reverberations with pivoting twists and turns. Livesay is comprised of Gregg Livesay (Guitar), Mike Gill (Lead Vocals), Rich Andrews (Bass/Vocals), Mark Zito (Keys) and Tim Huntington (Drums). Since the release of Scars, Mark Zito has passed away. He was an incredible force in the New England and International music scene and will surely be missed.
Livesay‘s last offering was the 2016 full length, Frozen Hell, which featured several different members. Throughout its existence, the one constant in Livesay has been Gregg Livesay who remains the main songwriter. The addition of Mike Gill as lead vocalist is a plus. Gill’s voice fits the exotic meanderings of the music to a tee. His emotive inflections complements perfectly with the sonic soundscape the band is letting loose.
Livesay’s guitar crackles with innate urgency. His riffs are ferocious and his leads carry a cinematic flavor. Livesay delivers an avalanche of stellar licks and solidifies his musical prowess. Andrews’ bass is dramatic in nature with killer basslines. Huntington’s percussions carry an addictive groove while Zito’s keys adds a charismatic feel and adventurous textures.
The first song on Scars is “Crusher Of Souls”. Immediately you get an ominous vibe with Zito’s keys swirling with a dark ambiance. Gill’s vocals are melodic but extremely edgy. Huntington’s drums slam with sublime danger. Livesay’s guitar wails with an intense severity and his solo slays. Andrews’ bass is profound. The track is potent with a kaleidoscope of devouring sound. “Walk Away” follows. It opens with a dirge like keyboard fill which turns into a Cult influenced mid tempo rocker. Livesay’s solo is tension filled and brazen. As Mike Gill told AMP previously and still holds true today:
“The song deals with mental health issues and the contemplation of suicide. It’s a real problem, especially after the isolation of Covid, and I feel it is an important concern.”
“Scars” is up next and the song is filled with propulsive energy. It contains a lush palette of complex musical structures. Every instrument truly shines with a myriad of bold accents. Gill’s voice is harmonically rich with an explosive barrage of intonations. The arrangement and songwriting are both stellar. The six minute track sparkles with a ruthless brilliance. Livesay leaves the best for last. “God Of The Arena” is an incendiary riff driven jewel. The guitars snake voraciously throughout and again, Zito’s keys commands respect. In addition, the backbeat is profoundly captivating. A glorious ending to a fierce piece of art.
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