If ever there was a band that could extract harmony from discord, then Nephu Huzzband is that band. Live In London is the band’s debut seven-track mini album, recorded live at famed venue Dublin Castle in, er, London. However, whilst the band are quite obviously playing live, doubts could be raised as to how alive the crowd are, as the level of recording doesn’t allow for much interaction. The effect is that the sound has a rather ‘hollow’ feel to it, but this also results in accentuating the band’s stage performance.
Of the seven tracks, five have been released either as singles in their own right, or as B-sides. Opener ‘Lions, Tigers and Bears’ appeared on the ‘Nurse! Nurse!’ single. I find this a bit of a strange opening choice, as it is a rather moribund and downbeat track, lacking the vitality of the bands trademark sound. Following this, the band’s most recent single ‘Should Have Used An Abacus’ arguably showcases them at their best. Jerky guitar and staccato drums combining with vocals that rise and fall between shouts and discordant harmony giving this track a distinct, quirky feel.
‘Either This Wallpaper Goes Or I Do,’ is a brilliant title for a song! It’s mid-paced and features a strangely hypnotic bass-line behind the usual wailing vocals. ‘And We Became Picasso Pieces’ picks up the pace and is a far more aggressive track. A little bit messy ( just like Picasso.. see what I did there?) this track bounces all over the place with no distinguishable constant rhythm. ‘Clockwork’ appears along with the current single and is really too good to be relegated to B-side status. And then we have what must surely be Nephu Huzzband’s best song to date, ‘Nurse! Nurse!’. With hints of seventies punk in the basic staccato composition, contrasting vocals, simple concise guitar and a shouted chorus there is still the overiding impression that this is indeed a modern song. It’s simple, distinctly lo-fi and quite simply superb. The album closer is ‘Papers,’ which was the band’s debut EP release.
Overall, this release almost constitutes a very early ‘Best Of’ compilation, although I would say that the studio versions of the songs are a better means by which to judge the band. Nevertheless, if bigger and better things await Nephu Huzzband (as expected), then this album will serve as a nostalgic reminder of where it all began.
(Released by Deep Recording Co on November 3rd 2008)
(8/10)