Nomad Stones
Nomad Stones
(Brutal Panda Records)
Nomad Stones is the newest project from fellow Cave In members Adam McGrath (guitar, vocals) and JR Conners (drums), who are joined by bassist Erik Syzska. This new band plays loud, grungy and catchy indie rock, with a whole lot of urgency, with a bunch of ripping, feedback drenched, guitar solos thrown in for good measure.
Throughout the album, you can hear traces of Dinosaur Jr., the Wipers and Husker Du. But instead of being a copycat, Nomad Stones takes these influences and makes them their own, crafting an enjoyable record.
The songs are short and to the point, maximizing their impact and catchiness. McGrath singing is a little off key, but it fits perfectly with these ramshackle tunes.
“Dead Batteries” opens with a swath of feedback and then gets down to business rather quickly, while “Dirty Boots And A Friend Named Goo”, shows their appreciation for Sonic Youth, by using song and album titles and lyrics from this revered band, not only in its title, but as lyrics in the song. It’s a love letter to the band. “The Frugal Yankee” ups the urgency to an almost hardcore like pace, while “Glory Days” mines a more deliberate pace. “The Sandwich Police” ends the album on a catchy note.
Nomad Stones is a highly enjoyable piece of grungy indie rock. If you’re searching for something that is still loud and urgent, but not quite hardcore or metal, you should give this album a chance. It will grow on you.
