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The quartet Nurses have a fascinating story on their
myspace blog (www.myspace.com/nurses) about how they came together
and moved from Idaho to Southern California - a story that includes
a team of scientists, tribal elders, ancient manuscripts, earthenware
jars, and a Jeep. The adventures of Aaron, John,
Bobby, and Charlie might just be getting really
good with the release of their debut album on Sargent Records
entitled Hangin' Nothin' But Our Hands Down. Produced
by Jason Cupp (The Elected, Valley Arena,
Finch), the album has the rock drama of My Chemical
Romance with the dance-punk grooves of Sugarcult
and the cabaret-pop of the Dresden Dolls. Their tones
are cheerfully sprayed and sprightly pulsed with synth-pop fixtures
reflective of Test Your Reflex and The Polyphonic
Spree, casting a twinge of Brit-pop. The lead vocals contribute
greatly to the song's dynamics with intonations that are partly
show tunes/jazz and equally emo-punk versed. It is an album
that absorbs many influences, which makes it a really well-rounded
recording.
Tunes like "Lots Of Brass" and "He Gots"
are suffused with clusters of vibrating effects and synth activity
setting off shimmering tones which give the tempos an uplifting
pull. The vocal fluctuations on numbers like "And Now The
Curse Of Marjorie" and "Alone At Last" have an
emo-lingo that draws the listener into its choir voicing. Energetic
dance-punk rattles protrude through "Hungry Mouth" and
"It Came In A Flash", basking in gypsy-spinning chord
rotations. A show tunes/cabaret style shows up on "Wait For
A Safe Sign" and "Way Up High" effusing a charming
vocal swagger and delightful piano shimmies. The album moves into
heavier tones on "Act Now, You're King!" with a series
of low keyed piano notes and consistent drum taps that segues
into two balladry selections. The melodic verses on "Dem
Leaves" flow with a bluesy-rock softness while the country-folk
chants of "Marching In Places" are sipped through funky
vocal rhythms that enliven the melody's spree by stacking the
vocal overdubs.
Nurses are definitely not just one type of music but a band with
lots of styles and musical expressions which gives them a certain
charm. There is an imaginative flair in their verses and a glint
of emo and cabaret styles in the vocals. They keep their movements
active, interesting and entertaining without being over the top
or contrived. They seem to take as much pleasure in their music
as audiences do which gives their music credibility. Whether audiences
find the music flamboyant or ingenious, Nurses' album has a real
shine that is catchy and fun.
-Susan Frances
Track listing:
1. And Now The Curse Of Marjorie
2. Alone At Last
3. Lots Of Brass
4. He Gots
5. Hungry Mouth
6. Wait For A Safe Sign
7. Way Up High
8. Act Now, You're King!
9. It Came In A Flash
10. Dem Leaves
11. Marching In Places
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