Next Level by Lizard Kings: A Tech House Gem That Still Slaps
Alright, let’s talk about Next Level by Lizard Kings. This 2011 tech house banger from the US, released on Neptuun City, is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t try too hard to be flashy or over-the-top—it just delivers solid beats and grooves that stick with you long after the party's over.
First off, the title track, “Next Level,” is exactly what it says on the tin—a step up in vibe. The beat kicks in right away, no messing around, and before you know it, you’re nodding your head like some kinda bobblehead doll. What gets me every time is how smooth the progression feels. There’s this subtle layering going on—little tweaks here, a synth swell there—that keeps things fresh without ever losing the groove. It’s not trying to blow your mind; it’s just good at being really, really enjoyable. I’ve heard this track pop up in random playlists years later, and it still hits the spot. Classic move by Lizard Kings.
Then there’s “Echsen Funk.” Man, this one's wild. If you’re into weirdly hypnotic basslines and quirky sound design (like legit lizard noises? Maybe?), this track will grab you by the ears and not let go. The funk part isn’t your typical slap-bass nonsense—it’s more like someone gave a robot a guitar and told it to jam while tripping out. Every time I hear it, I picture lizards breakdancing in neon suits. Yeah, I said it. Weird visuals aside, it’s got this addictive energy that makes it perfect for late-night drives or when you need something to shake off the Monday blues.
What’s cool about this album is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. You can tell the Lizard Kings were just having fun making music, and that vibe totally translates. It’s not groundbreaking in the way some pretentious critics might want it to be, but who cares? Sometimes all you need is an album that makes you feel alive—and Next Level does that effortlessly.
Funny thing though—listening to this now makes me realize how much tech house has evolved since 2011. Like, imagine these guys hearing some of the stuff dropping today. Would they fist-bump or scratch their heads? Either way, props to them for laying down tracks that still hold their own over a decade later. Solid work, Lizard Kings. Now if only we could figure out what echsen actually means…
