Album Notes

"Coupled with material with hints of the Velvet Underground's gauzier moments and a less murderous Nick Cave, Tormes has the kind of airy vocal style that falls somewhere between Jenny Lewis and Neko Case. And while this title cut has a Mazzy Star-ish vibe, it doesn't quite float into the ether; instead shimmering Wurlitzer runs are accented by a lightly strummed guitar and a vocal style considerably warmer than anything Hope Sandoval has done." --LONG ISLAND PRESS

"Strains of Britpop, garage rock and country slyly slink through Tormes' sparse, gothic-leaning debut. The NYC-by-way-of-Nashville singer-songwriter possesses a gorgeous, soulful voice that at times recalls Margo Timmins, with a little more sugar and less smoke. "Darkness has been a friend to me," Tormes sings on the disc-ending "Fade Away", and by that point, you know she ain't joking... The three songs featuring Teddy Thompson on guest vocals are highlights, especially the stripped-down and emotionally potent "Maybe You Won't". Amy Helm of Ollabelle adds sweet harmonizing on the dreamy 'Better Days' ". --NO DEPRESSION

"The world seems to be filled with talented female singer-songwriters, but ones that sure-handedly also self-produce themselves are rare. Manhattan denizen Liz Tormes does just that on her debut album...Tormes sings in a straightforward, totally unaffected manner, cutting through the darkness with an unusual dose of honesty and simplicity and making this a timeless recording...It's the sound of this disc that will really captivate the listener: its idiosyncratic, spooky atmospherics would make Daniel Lanois, T Bone Burnett or Joe Henry smile with pride." -- HARP MAGAZINE

“Liz Tormes is an artist who makes it all sound so simple - her seemingly effortless vocals glide across graceful melodies, drawing you into her darkly beautiful songs.” --- PERFORMING SONGWRITER

“…Heart-crushing—and seductively affecting… Her brooding songs, mostly ruminations on breakups, are layered in whistling, half-countrified guitars, enigmatic language and her chameleonic voice: wispy and filled with longing, then deep and round, then husky and pained.” -- NEW YORK PRESS

“Tormes has a gift for lyrically painting urban settings in watercolor ambience…even Oscar Wilde would have acknowledged that despite her hurt, Tormes eschews cynicism, fully understanding both the price and the value of everything. Many, if not all, of the narratives on her debut album will resonate immediately with listeners by way of similar personal experiences. For those not so veteran in conflicts and battles driven by love, jealousy, and insecurity, Limelight offers much to contemplate. As with the best stories, Tormes’ songs will remain with listeners for a long time and reveal even greater wisdom at especially sensitive moments to come. “ ---DELUSIONS OF ADEQUACY


Liz's music has been used in the new FX legal drama "Damages", NBC drama "Windfall", the independent film "Bridget", and the short film "Amanda and Allen".