(Album Review) “Stone Ground” by Lizzy Poppyseed
Out of rural Wadena, Iowa comes a hidden gem that has all the potential in the world to make waves in the Americana/roots rock scene, and that artist is Lizzy Poppyseed. Lizzy has recently released her EP entitled “Stone Ground” via Bandcamp and Spotify.
I remember checking out Lizzy when she was in one of her old bands at a gig in Des Moines and I was immediately drawn by her uncanny ability to pour out her soul with every note that she sang and she was also able to implore her innate creativity in her arrangements. Hell, she pulled off a bluesy cover of “Today Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube! Lizzy also has her tongue firmly in her cheek, and she has implored her influences from The Black Crowes and her idol Bruce Springsteen to create some amazing Americana music.
Lizzy certainly tickles the ivories and pours out her soul in the track “Road Merlot”. She is able to incorporate imagery in her storytelling and is able to tell the story of life on the road in this track. She is able to tickle the ivories and have a classical influence in this track. Her vocals, I kid you not, draw influences from Joss Stone, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin all in the same breath.
“Stratusphere” brings a bit of Americana meets Motown bluesy funk to the fray. Lizzy speaks of love as the guitar and rhythm section has that sleek funk groove that will cause you to boogie on down on the dance floor with a drink in your hand and more swagger than Ric Flair. “I Don’t Hold My Hands To Pray” talks about taking life into your own hands and creating your own destiny in order to make your best life possible.
“Stone Ground” by Lizzy Poppyseed is infectious, addictive, and a total feelgood EP. It’s a total ray of sunshine! Madness To Creation rates this a 9 out of 10 stars. There are parts where I wish I could hear the vocals a bit more clearly, but it sounds absolutely raw and maybe that’s how its meant to sound. You will certainly not be disappointed taking a chance on this small town lady from Iowa! Just do eht! Here is the track listing below.
Born Again
I Don’t Hold My Hands To Pray
Road Merlot
Stratusphere
Flyover
Wadena (By Way of La Crosse)
Family Plot
Jasmine Rose Woman
(Review from Madness To Creation. Direct Link: https://madnesstocreation.net/2018/11/23/album-review-stone-ground-by-lizzy-poppyseed/?fbclid=IwAR0lx5mHp6n1ellk-vLcP2z_wxgvpO5vCfh2jgZ5Oz3Pr2BHjLo4sXu1cag)