Words By: Bre Offenberger

Lizzie & The Makers have released the video for their mesmerizing single “Mermaid” — the first off the quintet’s forthcoming sophomore album. The track is an ambitious fusion of dream pop, blues and art rock with a dash of the band’s own distinct flair — and it could not be more well done.

Produced by Reeves Gabrels and Mario J. McNulty — who have both worked with David Bowie — the track is led by an overarching guitar line, thanks to Greg McMullen, that only gets better with time. While it trickles around the surface in the verses, it completely shimmers in the chorus, bursting into a full-fledged story of its own. Meanwhile, frontwoman Lizzie Edwards adds the juicy details, as she tries to explore what’s come over amidst her long nights where she can’t seem to get any shut eye. She begs for the opportunity to slip out of her own skin and into someone else’s, but she knows that dream will never be fulfilled. A guitar solo breaks out in the bridge, further emphasizing Edwards’ curiosity and frustration.

The video finds Edwards walking into a lively restaurant and asking for a drink from the bartender, who’s talking to someone and tells her to be patient. Edwards writes something on a piece of paper before staring directly into the camera, blinking and opening her eyes to discover herself in an abandoned building with natural sunshine streaking through the windows. The band is shown in a black-and-white setting, bandannas intact, putting every last bit of energy into playing their respective instruments. There are also glimpses of Edwards in a separate room, orange lights aglow, and separately in the black-and-white area. Soon, the camera pans back to prove she is with her bandmates, delivering an emphatic performance. She closes her eyes again and comes back to life at the restaurant, where she still hasn’t been able to order her drink.

Of making the track, Edwards shares: “Mario and Reeves had me sing the melody differently from how I usually perform it. It was a soulful, powerhouse vocal, but they wanted me to lay back a little bit on this one and show vulnerability. It was definitely a challenge to not belt it out, but it gave me somewhere to go and the melody a chance to build, which is so important!”

The band’s sophomore album, which is set to come out later this year, is the follow-up to 2015’s Fire from the Heart of Man, the EP Meanwhile… and 2017’s Live At Rockwood Music Hall. Lizzie & The Makers continue to one up themselves and bring the heat even more with each new release, so get ready for what’s bound to be one of the best albums of the year.