After releasing a self-titled debut that is one of my favorite albums, I was eagerly anticipating Nightmare of You’s next release. When their EP, Bang, came along I couldn’t wait to have a listen. Unfortunately, Bang is incredibly disappointing and flat.
It’s clear the band is trying to take a new direction, but that path lacks the cleverness that made the band so great. The lyrics on Bang don’t mesh, and show none of the cunning coyness and detailed imagery that one come to expect from the band. The lead guitar lines that were so distinct from any other band are nowhere to be found. The songs here seem unimaginative and too much like every bland indie pop band out there. For example, the title track “Bang” essentially just sounds like a bad Franz Ferdinand track.
The best song on the album is “You’re Very Dear To Me.” It’s got a creepy synthesizer line that both matches and contrasts lyrics that are very sweet but about a troubled individual. They lyrics easily are the best on Bang, but that’s not saying much. Even though it is best song on this record would be the worst song on the Nightmare of You LP.
Bang is a real step back for Nightmare of You. Would I be this harsh on the album if it wasn’t for the other album? No. But their debut LP was so brilliant, and this EP doesn’t sound anything like it’s predecessor. And the “trying to progress their sound” argument doesn’t work since this is so clearly a regression.
Review Score: 4.4
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