Album Review: Lucy Gervais, Negative Space

Clocking in just shy of 21 minutes, Negative Space by Lucy Gervais is a light-hearted and delightfully raunchy album, where one cannot help but laugh along as Gervais gives some insight into who they are. 

For the record, Gervais is related to who you’re thinking of, but he prefers to be called Richard, not Ricky. “Ricky Gervais” opens the album, both addressing the oft-asked question and giving listeners an introduction to Gervais (the former, not the latter). “High Standards” – the track that follows – initially highlights what one would need to date Gervais (they’re not asking for a lot, okay?), and then delves into their identity, which they use to make the audience howl. Track 3’s “Nonbinary Crisis” is the first I’ve heard someone refer to their self as, “Gordon Ramsey and Pamela Anderson on the inside,” with the subsequent visuals painted being gold. 

The final three tracks are based and touch on serious topics, but it’s done in an on the nose sarcastic way that doesn’t feel heavy and breaks down the absurdity of what Gervais poses. All eight tracks are just the right blend of personal stories, observations and surprise impersonations that will have you laughing and drawn into a space of Gervais’ making that you’ll be glad you’ve travelled to. 

Negative Space was recorded in Gervais’ adopted hometown of Montreal and released on June 11, 2022 by Howl & Roar Records. Listen to it here.