Lyra Messier returns with her seventh album, LP7, offering an introspective, genre-bending journey that continues to push the boundaries of electronic music. Based in Ghent, Belgium, Lyra’s hypnotic beats are laced with progressive rock influences, but this time around, she dives deeper into new musical terrain by incorporating hip-hop elements, Dutch and Hebrew influences, and introspective lyricism. The result is a captivating sonic experience that feels both personal and universally relatable.
LP7 opens with “Treinsample,” a track that introduces the album’s eclectic sound palette, blending experimental beats with a hypnotic rhythm. Lyra sets the tone for an album that’s filled with unexpected twists and turns. The next track, “Doomscroll,” taps into modern anxieties, particularly social media addiction. Drawing inspiration from 2000s hits like Just Jack’s “Starz in Their Eyes,” Lyra crafts a repetitive yet thought-provoking commentary on how endless scrolling traps us in a cycle of superficial validation.
The album doesn’t shy away from tackling weighty subjects. “Passive Activist,” for example, serves as a scathing political critique, showcasing Lyra’s new foray into rapping. The track channels the frustrations of social justice discourse, calling out performative activism with cutting precision. Meanwhile, “16-25Railcard Beat” is a more whimsical exploration, fusing her love for progressive rock with a groovy electronic beat.
“Postcards for Your Echo Chamber” stands out as one of the album’s most accessible tracks. With soaring riffs reminiscent of her rock and metal heroes, this song is the closest Lyra has come to creating a straightforward rock anthem. Yet, even in its catchiness, the song critiques the insular nature of online communities, adding layers of meaning to its infectious melody.
“Ashkelon” and “Supernova” bring a reflective, almost melancholic touch to the album. The former is steeped in personal and political reflection, weaving in themes of conflict and identity, while “Supernova” takes a more abstract approach, exploring themes of destruction and rebirth through a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape.
By the time listeners reach the closing track, “Passive Activist,” they’ll have experienced the full breadth of Lyra Messier’s creative capabilities. This song ties together the album’s overarching themes, political disillusionment, identity struggles, and queer perspectives while continuing to experiment with bold, genre-blending sound.
What makes LP7 such a compelling listen is Lyra Messier’s ability to blend her varied influences, progressive rock, house, and now hip-hop into a cohesive whole. The inclusion of guitarist Jo Griffin from Oxford’s on all but one track adds a dynamic layer of texture to the songs, grounding Lyra’s experimental production with emotive, often gritty guitar work.
Ultimately, LP7 is a bold, multilingual album that reflects the complexity of Lyra Messier’s own identity and worldview. From the anxious introspection of “Doomscroll” to the political commentary of “Passive Activist,” the album provides a vivid snapshot of a world grappling with modern dilemmas, all set to the pulsating rhythms of an artist at the top of her game. For listeners who crave music that challenges, questions, and innovates, LP7 delivers in spades.
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Website: https://lyramsr.co