Nevernudes – Cereal EP
After experiencing the Nevernudes’ First EP back in late 2009, I stared at my iTunes, somewhat unconvinced. Their abrasive and darkened delivery was quite discouraging, especially to my conventional-music-adoring ears, and left the idea of a second listen seem fairly daunting. However, to my surprise the next few weeks were punctured with frequent recollections of their beguiling dissonant hooks. In revisiting the EP, I quickly realised the charm of the album’s complex and incessantly melodic compositions.
The Cereal EP follows their first full-length release Creepy Crawlies, released last year, which was an underrated masterpiece, bursting with a newfound sophistication while retaining the resonance of youth-orientated turbulence. In comparison, the Cereal EP is more or less another fresh batch of jarring, noise-soaked pop tunes. With the exception of an arguably clearer and more confident delivery, there is little to separate the album’s sonic qualities from its predecessor. However, the vitality, diversity and development of all the Nevernudes’ songs leave monotony a distant afterthought.
‘Spooky Toys’, the band’s most admirable attempt at avoiding their confrontational aesthetic, is the best start for any inquisitive, virgin listener. However, all tracks drive home unique and enchanting melodies, propelled by the ingenious interweave of scathing guitars and infallible kits. Lyrically speaking, the Cereal EP is heavily laden with insight, reflection and a healthy dose of scorn. With numerable moments of poignancy and acuity I fully implore all to sample this gem of the burgeoning Auckland scene. For those of you who typically aren’t willing to meet the music halfway, this is a worthy step outside the 91.8 bubble. Do it!
4/5