NAZCA LINES - EP review added 11th January 2011
EP Review: Nazca Lines (self-titled) EP (2011)
For fans of: Post Rock/Punk... and those weird geoglyphs in South America
Seattle band Nazca Lines - original members Cory Alfano and Brett Wedeking, plus newbies Andy King and Ryan Minch - have been around several years now. They already have a couple of releases in the back catalogue, and this EP serves as a teaser to the band's 2nd album.
This self-titled effort was recorded in the band's home city with producer (and Minus The Bear founder) Matt Bayles, who’s best know for his work with Mastodon and Isis, but has been involved with a ton of other big bands on varying levels. The artwork for the EP was created by Cody Votolato.
Sound-wise, Nazca Lines really sound like Rage Against The Machine in places - not so much in the musicianship and vocal-tone department, more in the style of singing, the repetitive nature of the lyrics and the overall attitude/vibe of the record. This is the sound of an angry young band getting a load of sh*t off their chest.
Good:
You've got to respect the aggression here. The band are lairy, tuneful and characterful all at the same time, and that's a lot more than can be said for a lot of other bands with this sort of approach to their lyrics. The overall sound of the EP is a mix of retro pop and grungy punk, and that gives the band a reasonably unique position.
Not So Good:
I really can't stand Rage Against The Machine, and the parts of this EP that sound like them therefore grate. The EP really is very short at three songs. In fact it's more like a posh single. I'm not a huge fan of the style of the vocals, but that comes more down to taste than a lack of talent on display.
The Songs:
There's not a lot to split between the songs. They all have good and bad parts, none are anywhere near perfection, but equally they aren't anywhere near awful.
In Summation:
This is a decent release, but I'd personally hold off purchase until the full LP appears. These songs may appear on it making the EP obsolete, However, if these songs are indeed here in unique fashion, this self-titled release is worth a punt.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... Those RATM lyrical structures.
Track List:
01. This Crippled Devil
02. This Little Island
03. From The Bottom Of A Crevasse
Label: Stressed Sumo Records
Artist's website(s): MySpace
