How Liars reinvented experimental rock by constantly shedding their own skin
In short: Since forming in Brooklyn in 2000, Liars have refused to settle into a single sound. From hardcore punk roots to noise-rock witchcraft and ambient electronica, the band treats every album as a fresh start. Founding member Angus Andrew remains the only constant force in this restless, shape-shifting musical project.
Liars emerged from the early 2000s New York City scene, initially gaining traction as an experimental hardcore punk outfit. Their debut record, released in October 2001, established their early presence, but the group faced significant instability, breaking up in 2002. This period of flux saw members move toward other creative projects, yet the band soon reformed with a new focus on noise rock and experimental concepts.
The band's evolution is marked by a deliberate rejection of stylistic consistency. Their 2004 concept album, They Were Wrong, So We Drowned, explored themes of witchcraft, while later works like 2012's WIXIW were crafted in isolated environments to strip away external influences. By 2017, with the release of TFCF, the band moved toward a more personal, autobiographical tone. This constant reinvention is reflected in their cryptic promotional strategies, such as the 2017 rollout where video clips were released to spell out the album's title through hidden letters.
Throughout their history, the band has maintained a rotating lineup around Angus Andrew. Longtime collaborator Aaron Hemphill, who helped form the band, departed amicably in 2017. Despite these shifts, Liars have remained prolific, releasing ten studio albums under Mute Records. Their ability to occupy diverse mindsets—drawing from influences as varied as OMD, The Cure, and Underworld—has kept them at the forefront of experimental music, performing at curated events like Portishead's 2011 I'll Be Your Mirror festival.
The band's trajectory highlights the tension between artistic growth and commercial expectation. By refusing to repeat their successes, they have navigated through the backdrops of Los Angeles, Berlin, and New York, ensuring that each release sounds radically different from the last. This commitment to change defines their legacy as much as any specific song or sound.
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