EP REVIEW: Liar – Cruel Lights

’…the prospect of a full-length record from this band something truly worth getting excited over…’

Following on from their 2020 self-titled demo, Nantes-based Liar released their debut EP as a four-piece in 2022, and marked themselves out as yet another demonstration of France’s thriving hardcore and post-hardcore scene. ‘these obvious curses’ offered an ambitious and emotive body of post-hardcore that was one of the top releases of that year.

Now a five-piece with the introduction of a second guitar player, Liar have returned with their sophomore EP, ‘Cruel Lights’. Not only does this maintain the band’s reputation as one of the brightest hidden gems around, but once again is one of the most enjoyable bodies of work released in its respective year.

Whilst their debut offered an already incredible sound, empowered by a visceral sense of direction and vision, where the band have ventured on ‘Cruel Lights’ is an improvement in every way. From the manner in which the brutal opening statement ‘The Carrier’ flows effortlessly into the jarring chaos of ‘Ice’, to the pure punk electricity that weaves throughout ‘The Last Row’, this is Liar fully realised.

Vocals flow between somber melodies, striking screams, and potent spoken word, perfectly embracing the themes and emotional tones of each track here. The melancholy and anger is palpable and deeply evocative, but subtle undertones of hope that peak through the cracks are displayed with a subtle, bittersweet beauty.

A major highlight has to be the lead single from the EP, ‘Knives’, with thunderous choruses that slam into the listener with crushing guitar riffs and weighty grooves. Vocalist Rafu is situated in the midst of a violent musical hurricane that tears at his vocals; ‘Are we going to burn/Mouths wide open/Knives in each other’s throats?’ he demands, mourning the slow destruction of the world being ignored by a society fractured by individualism.

Whilst Liar’s debut EP established them as a ferocious new talent in the post-hardcore scene, it is this sophomore record that marks them out as truly something special. The manner in which their sound has expanded on ‘Cruel Lights‘ to sound more aggressive yet cinematic deserves major commendation, and makes the prospect of a full-length record from this band something truly worth getting excited over. An EP and a band that shines with artistic brilliance.

RATING: 91/100 – Excellent

For Fans Of: Birds in Row, Chalk Hands, Frail Body, La Dispute, State Faults

Physical copies of the EP are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify