Lissy Trullie – Self Taught Learner (EP)
9/10

Self Taught Learner is arguably a perfect EP. Flawlessly produced, catchy new-wave rock and roll from the angular NYC beauty Lissy Trullie and her band is served up on her debut EP. I’ve held a long-lasting love for her first single; title track Self Taught Learner, ever since I first heard it, and some might say I subsequently (and duly) thrashed it on EMJ radio. The six-track EP, out February 17 on American Myth Recordings, is perfectly track-listed with effortless flow from one song to the next, constructing a wonderfully ponderous, at times angsty and at other times content lyrical view of Lissy’s world. This has to be one of the most well-produced EPs I have heard in a long time, the swimming bass and crashing cymbals and plucked guitar topped off with Lissy’s anguished ‘oh-oh oh-oh’s on the title track is particularly stunning, the previous version having been polished even further to strip back any remaining grittiness and leaving gleaming perfection. The pummelling, pulsating rhythmic changes and ecstatic backing vocals in Forget About It with Lissy’s androgynous, cool-as-ice voice and new-wave instrumentation is endlessly enjoyable. I can imagine it’d be sublime live. The final track, a disjointed and shimmied-up cover of Hot Chip’s popular Ready For The Floor, shows up the original’s monotonous and repetitive style, highlighting Lissy’s unique vision and creativity, prompting me to instantly prefer this version over the original. I expected so much from this release and was not let down one bit. It’s one of the most well rounded and enjoyable releases I’ve had the pleasure of listening to in a long time. Lissy’s energy, creativity and honesty is to be commended.
Sarah

 

Posted by Sarah Gooding under Album, Reviews