Lizard Lounge

Kowloon, Boston-based band The Longwall’s latest EP, blends sounds of forlorn guitar and vocal lines with poppy, steady backbeats. Kowloon refers to the former walled city in Hong Kong of the same name. Drawing inspiration from this contained community, the songs on this album work to create a restrained and subdued resonance, fitting nicely into the Americana tradition. Though assuredly part of this genre, songs such as “Big MT” and “Long for Shipwrecks” could easily be mistaken for alternative rock songs from the nineties. Lead singer Alan Wuorinen’s voice has a Jeff Tweedy twang to it, which perches atop the layers of sound the instruments create. “Woods Pretty” is a plodding, atmospheric tune, filled with an odd mix of noodling banjo and radio static background noise. It acts as the album’s eye of the storm, a deviation in pace from the other, faster songs. Though the change of tempo is essential, “Woods Pretty,” almost hypnotic in its plodding, falls short in its attempt to vary in beat, insofar as it retains a straight-ahead structure. However, “Maybe Golden” provides more pop-Americana charm to pull the listener through to the end of the album. At 27 minutes in length, these eight tracks feel like just enough. The album as a whole is at once unsettling, melancholic, and peaceful. Indeed, as the listener reaches the final track, “Bring Me Peace,” a feeling of tranquility has already been delivered.

Lizard Lounge is a small and relaxing space where you can experience live performances of all kinds. Located underneath the Cambridge Common Restaurant, it is a little hideaway, offering guests with a comfortable and welcoming ambiance. I went to the Lizard Lounge during one of their poetry slam nights where I not only witnessed some mind-blowing rhymes, but a marriage proposal as well. The first poet surprised his girlfriend by pulling her on stage, which was simple seeing as the stage is part of the lounge, at ground level with the audience. After reciting his romantic and clearly well rehearsed piece, he got down on one knee and revealed the ring. Of course, she said yes, and the crowd went wild with support as the poetry judges awarded him perfect “10’s” across the board. The bartender quickly came over with complimentary champagne to celebrate and toast their lives together. Seeing such a strong and loving reaction given by so many strangers made me really appreciate the atmosphere of the lounge. Even though the space seemed a bit cramped at times, I felt like I was a part of this art appreciating community for the entire night. If you are looking for a relaxed and cozy place to enjoy the arts with friends both old and new, I recommend paying Lizard Lounge a visit on your next night out.