Album Review: The Trickster by Lazarus (2009)
Lazarus’ The Trickster is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2009 under St. Ives, this US-born project blends Folk Rock and Alternative/Indie Rock with a dash of Pop/Rock charm. It’s not perfect—sometimes it feels like Trevor Montgomery (the mastermind behind the album) is trying too hard to balance raw emotion with polished production—but when it clicks, it really clicks.
Montgomery wears multiple hats here: writing lyrics, performing, recording, even designing the cover art. And while some tracks feel a bit uneven, there’s no denying his passion shines through. The mastering by PCMJR gives the record a clean finish, though you can still hear the grit underneath.
Two songs stand out for me: “I Will Let You Live” and “Like Fever, Like Blood.”
“I Will Let You Live” kicks things off with an understated intensity. The acoustic guitar riff sets the mood right away, simple but haunting. Montgomery’s vocals have this weary honesty to them, like he’s lived every word he’s singing. There’s something about how the melody builds without ever fully exploding—it keeps you hanging on, waiting for more. By the time the track fades out, you’re already hitting replay.
Then there’s “Like Fever, Like Blood,” which hits harder than most of the other tracks. This one leans into the indie rock side of Lazarus’ sound, with driving percussion and layers of electric guitar that create a hypnotic vibe. The chorus sticks in your head—not because it’s catchy in a poppy way, but because it feels urgent, almost desperate. It’s the kind of song that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen.
Other tracks like “Through the Door Is Where You’ll Pay the Debt You Owe” (yes, the title is repeated twice in the tracklist—probably a typo?) and “realFun” add variety but don’t leave as strong an impression. Still, they contribute to the overall texture of the album, which swings between introspective folk moments and louder, edgier rock vibes.
What stays with me after listening to The Trickster isn’t just the music—it’s the sense of someone wrestling with big questions. Themes of guilt, redemption, and survival run throughout, but they never feel preachy or overdone. Instead, they come across as deeply personal, maybe even cathartic for Montgomery himself.
Here’s the thing: this album won’t appeal to everyone. Some listeners might find it a little rough around the edges or wish for more consistency. But if you’re into artists who wear their hearts on their sleeves and aren’t afraid to experiment, The Trickster is worth checking out.
Funny enough, I kept thinking about old tarot cards while listening to this—there’s definitely a mystical undertone here, given the album’s name and themes. Makes me wonder if Trevor was secretly into divination while making it. Either way, The Trickster proves that sometimes imperfection is exactly what makes art memorable.
