Liz Rohr - birthday boy

Liz Rohr

birthday boy
​self-released; 2022

4.0 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Liz Rohr is a seventeen-year-old artist who we first heard from when she released Coexist. She has been developing her sound over the years and learning more about production while also learning more of who she is an artist. Her latest release is called birthday boy. Rohr mentions “This is the most amount of time I have ever devoted to a project. In this release Iphone into my sound; worrying less about standing out and more about being me. The recurring themes in this album are mental health and young love, with an overarching theme of self-growth.”

I have to say these sorts of topics never came up when I was in high school. It was the ’90s and kids just didn’t even know what mental health and self-growth meant. Those were terms that weren’t on anyone's radar.

The album starts with “january” and is more or less an intro revolving around organs, bass and some other synths. “Dancing on your own” is where we are introduced to her vocals. I’m familiar with her singing style and liked it in the past but she seems to be improving in other ways. The vocal hooks are catchy against what sounds like mostly virtual instruments.

“I like you” is simple and starts with lyrics that capture the puppy love of youth. Rohr sings “I like you and I hope that you like me and I think I'd like to be with you.” The music is well done and fits this sort of low hum of melancholy. As the song progresses the dynamics subtly shift and morphing modulation helps the stereo width. The vocal harmonies sounded great towards the end.

Rohr expands into different types of sound and energy as the album progresses. “Tell me now” is one of the highlights. It’s a fast moving song with distorted guitar, horns, a driving beat and memorable vocal melodies. 

“Anybody else but you” was another solid song. It’s more rock based and Rohr displays more of her vocal range. The song is one of the more single-worthy songs on the album. “Self reflection in the corner of my room” might be the highlight. I loved the way the song builds and how Rohr changes the emotional energy. This song is a clear sign of her growth.

There are a couple of more highlights. Some of the lyrics on “twenty-three” are a little depressing and revolve around her meeting her demise at this young age. The vocal performance is top notch and smooth. 

​Rohr is excelling as a bedroom artist who is finding her stride. I do hope to hear her with other musicians at some point but she’s improving at a rapid pace. Take a listen.

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