Rock music of today and the roots which they come from have a number of start contrasts. The rise of punk rock, “hair metal†and more served to give the aesthetic an edge that was unique and rebellious. While conceptually similar, the musical influences adopted by these new groups was a stark contrast to the roots of Rock and Roll. This didn’t go unnoticed, as The NoBS have revealed with their latest release. This collection of live recordings is inspirational and harkens back to a time when rock was much more smooth and bluesy, given the perfect twist of personality by the band.
The first track is a rendition of The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Wait On Time. The licks of the guitar immediately grab your attention and never let you go. The bass follows the drums as the guitar sings almost as prolifically as the vocalist, whose bluesy rock n roll voice gives the song an unmistakable personality. The track has a swing to it when it all comes together that picks you up out of your seat before you know it. The groove is one you can dance to and the vocals flow smoothly right alongside them. The power can be heard in lines such as “well you say you’ll stick with me baby, stick with me through thick and thin.†And “I know someday, baby, my bad luck has got to end.†It’s a fantastic live rendition that shows off the raw talent of the band.
The next track is a cover of the classic “Further on Up The Road†by The Band. The swinging guitars grip you immediately to keep you on your feet from the last track. The instrumentals ooze an upbeat energy with fast percussions and wild guitars that give a swing you can feel in your hips. The high-energy is also packed into vocals, hitting you right as you start swingin’ to the beat with a lively “further on down the road!†The cherry on top of the track are the guitar solos, both of which are amazing sequences of pure precision shredding. It’s a hard track to stay still for and definitely brings the fire it puts out.
These tracks are wonderful and filled with uplifting energy and groovy guitar riffs. The NoBS take two classic tracks and breathe a sense of personality into them that sets them apart from their originals. These live performances capture the essence of their stated mission to connect the roots of their musical traditions, ones they believe broke away from the mainstream “hair†and punk bands of the time. It’s a fantastic time capsule that shows off the musicianship of the band through two iconic tracks which, after listening to these performances, won’t ever sound the same again. Any rock fan should check this release out, if not for these two tracks alone.
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