Review: Lizzy Mercier Descloux – Press Color

Lizzy Mercier Descloux
Press Color

Light in the Attic
Street: 08.14
Lizzy Mercier Descloux = ESG + Lydia Lunch

The reissue of this album, originally released in 1979, is definitely an important one, because it remains Descloux’s most iconic work. Rife with afrobeats, sporadic rhythms and disco vibes, this record is a pure delight and crystal fossil of No Wave ephemera. The first track on the record is a cover of Arthur Brown’s “Fire,” and Descloux’s pomp creates a grooviness that distracts from its rather comic roots. There are also two covers of “Mission Impossible” as well as a cover of “Fever,” humorously replaced with “Tumour,” all dripping with sensual playfulness. Most tracks on the album possess this quality, including the shady “Torso Corso,” while still others carry along with deconstructed art-pop like “Herpes Simplex” does. Every song is splendid, energetic and inspired, all without feeling too stylized, concrete or practiced. This album has a thankful 18 tracks to swallow, and every funky bit is delicious. –Erin Moore