Still Nervous

This album has been added to 2 public lists:

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  2024 Top 20

  Adam Wood

  Bad Nerves’ sophomore LP—the follow-up to a 2020 self-titled debut which I’ve still not taken the time to listen to—has proven to be one of the year’s nicest surprises. When I first tuned into this record, I half-dismissed it as a good enough gimmick that would be fun for a couple of listens before wearing out its welcome. Somehow though, its playfully sneering, brash demeanour got its claws into me enough that I would find myself wandering around for days singing the hook to ‘Antidote’, before I had to cave and just re-listen to the album.

  There’s something of the early 2000s garage rock revival here, both the production and the overall sensibility recalling the early days of acts like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Hives (who also had a track titled ‘Antidote’ on their second LP). Perhaps the key is that it’s all a bit of a dizzying, joyous whirlwind. Before you know it, the final chord of ‘The Kids Will Never Have Their Say’ is ringing out, and the album has grabbed its studded leather jacket and seen itself out. Chances are, however, that you’re left with one of its several propulsive, sticky melodies clinging to your frontal lobe, and you’ll be inviting Bad Nerves back for another 30 minute party soon.

• 

  Best Albums of 2024

  Trystan