Every so often a demo comes along that doesn’t just impress you, it genuinely reaffirms your faith in the countries young punk talent. With Mistake us for Friends already staking their claims for demo of the year, it is the turn of Nadir to flex their muscles in the dog eat dog world of the unsigned band. And how do they fare? Most fucking excellently.
Those who read my reviews on a regular basis know I have been bemoaning the lack of originality on post hardcore acts lately and I have been screaming out for someone to buck this trend and give everyone a much needed kick up the arse. Thankfully, Nadir are just the band to do it. I openly admit to having been more than skeptical before I listened to the band, but without even noticing it I was thrashing about to the intense melody and talent of the five piece within a matter of seconds – and there are few faults to pick amongst the trio of tracks present.
Opener ‘Greenfist’ begins slowly before a crescendo of drums and tight guitar play meld together – and before the chance to draw breathe arrives, the energy and enigma land by the bucketload. The trade off of vocals particularly stands out on all tracks but is none more impressive than on the rawkus ‘My Heart Bleeds’. The somewhat melancholy ‘Greenfist’ was a mere appetizer for what was to come and the aforementioned talent on show in ‘My Heart Bleeds’ stands head and shoulders above what we should realistically expect from an unsigned act. This track is simply stunning. Comparisons to System of a Down will inevitably be made and final track ‘Punk Song [Crusade]’ is perfect fodder for such inevitabilities but with such searing melodies and vocals it’s hard to pick faults.
I lay my neck on the line now and say within two years this band will be at the forefront of the English hardcore scene. I rate them that highly. This demo is as good as they come, and with that, they deserve all the accolades and praise that will be heaped upon them.
Jay
www.nadir.tk