The Nerds--A Black Star Burning Trails To Nowhere
Scarey Records 2004
The bands which comprise the Confederacy of Scum have really taken the world by storm. It seems like quality like-minded outfits are popping up all the time, worldwide. The Nerds could be counted near the top of that group, as they seem to possess more of a unique face than most. On A Black Star Burning Trails To Nowhere, this Italian quartet cultivate and blend their influences masterfully, while retaining a sense of self.
Stylistically, the Nerds come off like Turbonegro would if their primary inspiration was Antiseen instead of W.A.S.P. That said, as much as the Nerds wear their influences on their sleeves, they always wind up sonding like themselves. This music has a decidedly hardcore-tinged scum punk slant to it, but it leans just as heavily on hard rock. The clear and powerful production on A Black Star Burning Tails To Nowhere especially accentuates and compliments the metallic elements of this material.
The Nerds further help their cause with really good songwriting. Of the blatantly C.o.S. inspired material, the Cocknoose-esque "Harder Than Life" and "The Traitor," with its killer double bass drum blasts, rise as highlights. Still, it's when the Turbonegro influence creeps in that the Nerds are at their most dangerous. The brightest from that end of the spectrum include "Satan's Rise," "The Black Sheep," and "Requiem For The Forlorn Hope." These are the album's best songs, all with tempos moderate enough for their hooks to take hold in listeners.
Fans of any the aforementioned bands or styles would be well served to pick up a copy of A Black Star Burning Trails To Nowhere. The Nerds prove themselves to be a worthy entry into this particular realm of music. It's only a matter of time before all possible interested parties catch on. A very welcome surprise, indeed.
Score this CD directly from SCAREY RECORDS
|
