Green Lizard: Las Armas Del Silencio

Since their first EP broke in 1997, veteran rockers Green Lizard have received quite a measure of attention and acclaim in their native country, the Netherlands. One sampling of the insistent and immediately engaging set of anthems on Las Armas Del Silencio shows what the fuss has been about. The band displays a commanding, guitar-driven presence, embodying the spirit and aesthetic of punk, sometimes in sound (the rapid fire first single “One Minute”), sometimes in the soul which infuses heavier yet more straight ahead offerings like “All You Have” and “Bullets Are for Everyone” which meld elements of modern rock, power pop and grunge. While the band never truly slows down, mellower track “One Last Kiss” is an album highlight and displays the solidarity in the band’s playing just as well as on more up-tempo works. Lyrically, the band explores concepts with appeal to a young and aware audience; the intensity of their expression extends to themes of social awakening and struggling to find certainty and clarity in the world. Las Armas Del Silencio has been available in The Netherlands and other parts of Europe since last year, making it high time for those who have yet to experience the musical and lyrical attack of Green Lizard to be indoctrinated by their sound.