''This album needs some serious attention but it is worth the effort. A multi-headed beast, it is like listening to samples from the best female artists of the past two decades''. ''Not a bad bibliography.
One day she may occupy the same place in musical history''.

www.subba-cultcha.com - Album Review.

Having travelled on one of Europe's most celebrated musical journeys spanning 15 years, fronting three acclaimed bands, and perhaps best known as former lead singer of Icelandic rock band Bellatrix, Elíza Newman now launches her debut solo offering ‘Empire Fall' (Lavaland Records, 15 October).

‘Empire Fall' written and arranged by Elíza, echoes haunting vocals, which lead to sparkling melodies calling up the barren and heartbreaking delivery of 60s songstress Nico, punctuated by power pop reminiscent of Debbie Harry's Blondie; all the while exploring themes of troubling relationships, the status of independence and female strength, not unlike the work of another major influence, Kate Bush.

Lead track ‘Empire Fall' is a feisty statement of intent, showing how easily Elíza is able to take command of her vocal delivery. ‘Change My Name' is a fine example of the melodies and driving basslines Elíza is able to produce and deliver with strength. By contrast, ‘Return to Me' is subtle and fragile to the point of desolation, conveyed in a way that only someone with the depth of talent as Elíza can.

Elíza was just sweet-sixteen when she formed the all-girl punk rock outfit Kolrassa Krókríðandi / Bellatrix. The four teens released four albums on Bjork's Bad Taste label and in the process earned the tag of hottest female band to come out of Iceland; as well as signing to Fierce Panda for the release of their fourth album , and a co-headlining UK tour with Coldplay. Kerrang! described Elíza as being a ‘spectacular vocal talent!', while NME praised her as a ‘exhilarating, unhinged, untutored rough pop Diamond'. The media focus was unrelenting, and after headlining the Carling Stage at the Reading Festival 2000, Elíza took time out to further her musical armoury and embark on an intense course of study in operatic arts in London. Eventually finding herself wanting to connect both worlds and ‘create something epic' Elíza formed her third band – Skandinavia. Tagged by many as being reminiscent of The Breeders and early Flaming Lips, Skandinavia picked up where Bellatrix had left off, receiving major critical acclaim.

The first single 'Change my name' will be released November 5th on digital download and a tour of Britain will follow . Dates to be announced soon.
Elíza has spent the past four years weaving her amazing journey into a representative body of work, presented on ‘Empire Fall', set to be one of the breakthrough albums of the year.

Elíza has arrived, again...

EMPIRE FALL IS AVAILABLE IN ANY GOOD RECORD STORES IN THE UK & DOWNLOAD SITES WORLDWIDE LIKE ITUNES, PLAYLOUDER, EMUSIC, HMV, TUNETRIBE, NAPSTER ETC ...

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