LIZZIE AND THE MAKERS AT THE CUTTING ROOM IN NEW YORK CITY
Just about a month ago, I went to the Cutting Room in downtown Manhattan to check out Lizzie and the Makers’ album release show for Dear Onda Wahl. They were one of several artists playing that night, but as soon as the band stepped on stage, Lizzie’s voice took over the room and everyone was paying attention to everything they were doing.
Lizzie and the Makers played with The Cure guitarist Reeves Gabrels, who helped them produce their sophomore album. They played the album in full and every single song translated so well live. They opened with the first track on the record, a song called “Lover By Proxy”. The song sounded just like it did on the album and it was a great track to open the set with as it got the crowd grooving to the song immediately with the big intro of guitar line and drum beat.
The second track on the album is called “Mermaid”. This is where the nerves seemed to shake off a little more and the band seemed like they were just having the most fun, which always makes shows infinitely more fun. You could really feel the southern-tinged influence in this song that Lizzie and her band clearly excel at.
Lizzie did not waste any time with the songs. They ran through the first 3 songs, but before “Magic River” she did take time to say that this was her favorite song on the album. The song builds beautifully both musically and in the vocals to the chorus. It personally reminded me of the vibes of a Fleetwood Mac song, but maybe it was just the way the music was arranged.
Track four, “Les Idiots”, was introduced as ‘a hateful love letter to posers’ and the lyrics prove the point with words like, “Hey girl did your mama buy you any clothes that fit you?...have some respect for yourself girl.” The spite and anger could be felt being spit out of Lizzie’s mouth as she sang the words, but also within the song was a solo by Reeves and it proved why he is in a masterclass of guitarists.
The darkest song on the album by far was the next track, “Bottle”, which to me is about your mental health deteriorating, and looking towards things like alcohol to hide the stormy, dark thoughts in your head and escape from the “hurricane brewing in [my] soul.” Given the last year and several months it is a highly relatable song, using not just substances but anything else to drown out the thoughts swirling around your head. Lizzie’s voice filled the room but especially when she belted out words. “Bottle” is my favorite song on the album, although every song was a lot of fun live.
Lizzie explained the title track, “Dear Onda Wahl” was literally about a deer on the wall of a bar where she used to work in her hometown and she was looking for advice from it. Because the album was in order, the main set closed with her lead single, “Mojo Hand”, where she introduced the band to the audience and mentioned Reeves as a producer. This song also very much gave me Fleetwood vibes because of the way she sang the song and the melody behind.
It was an incredible performance and I would absolutely recommend seeing Lizzie and the Makers if they tour near you. The stage performance is captivating, songs are great storytelling and overall it’s just great music.