謊言學​ ​ by The Bright Lights​

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1. Only You
2. Please Love Her
3. 假笑給你看

謊言學 is a three song EP from Hong Kong band Bright Lights. I didn’t know what to expect when coming into this album but I am very impressed. In three songs the band goes through three drastically different styles and comes out of each of them with a fantastic song. Often with 3-song EP’s, there is clearly one song that stands out and will definitely be on any follow up album. With this EP I really can’t tell which one of the songs stands out the most because they are all so different and yet so great.

The first song, Only You, is probably my favorite off the album. The song starts with a rocking distorted guitar riff that continues throughout and the drums enters with heavy bass and cymbal crashes. The singer’s voice is smooth and bright and the chorus is very catchy while still maintaining a slightly rougher sound. The faint keyboard adds a nice texture that contrasts well with the guitars. Finally the solo wraps the song together. The guitarist shows a remarkeble amount of skill while not showing off and making the solo overstay its welcome.

The second song, Please Love Her, starts off as a soft piano ballad and builds, adding interesting percussion elements and keyboards that then break out into an almost arena rock power ballad. The previous song used the keyboard but the instrument didn’t stand out in the mix. This song uses the keyboard amazingly. The keyboard is not constant but gives the song a slightly weirder sound that feels very satisfying. I really love the spacey riff that comes right before the first chorus. The song has another great guitar solo. However, I might have liked the solo to go on a bit longer just to give it some time to grow — but it is still a fantastic show of talent.

假笑給你看 starts off again as a slow piano ballad. It also grows but in the opposite direction of Please Love Her. This song goes into full-on Canto Pop mode. The drumming is consistent and the singing is just as smooth at it is throughout. The guitar solo again is extremely satisfying. It is much slower to fit the mood of the song but works just as well. I will say that this song is probably my least favorite of the three but that is purely a matter of taste. The style they are going for on this song is not something I personally listen to that much. Even so it is still a great song.

If you like Hard Rock with riffs and a pop sensibility, there is a song on here for you. If you like soaring arena rock with large choruses, there is a song on here for you. If you like fun canto pop, there is a song on here for you. I really recommend almost everyone at least try it, because it might surprise you. I have no idea what the band will do next, but whatever it is I will be listening.

– Joshua Ellis-Einhorn

The EP is available for sale at CD Warehouse, Tom Lee Music Band Central, Axis Music Studio and Walking Music HK. 

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