Ned's Atomic Dustbin - Brainbloodvolume
By CARMEN BELL
Famed for its punk rock and modern pop music, the British group Ned's Atomic Dustbin has released its latest album, "Brainbloodvolume," which mixes up more than just buzzing guitars and heavy drums in its songs. The band carries on the jumpy, rocking attitude from its last album "Are You Normal?" while using the new album to explore new avenues without damaging its sound. The band implements several synthetic sounds, including an organ, a piccolo and even an operator's voice saying, "Your call can not be completed at this time, please call again later."
The first song, "All I Ask Of Myself Is That I Hold Together" makes a perfect introductory song. It starts with a slow organ, then gives an industrial music sound when quick beats of guitar music cut into the song and suddenly stop. Some of N.A.D.'s new songs, including "All I Ask Of Myself Is That I Hold Together," have a certain hard-driven, depressive feel to them and creating one of the album's best aspects. And while the album still manages to feature those kind of songs, others remain more placid but enjoyable.
"Talk Me Down" leaps off the album as one of its best songs. It relates the misery of infatuation, as the lyrics lament, "All these mistakes you say I've made / Got me more laugh-lines than things that felt right / ... Don't try to talk me down from here / Don't try to talk me out of here." But the song's music, as well as the wonderful voice of the frontman and vocalist, simply known as John, makes the song's infatuation appear like a sweet and adoring love.
Ned's consistently quirky lyrics also make the songs fun. In "All I Ask Of Myself Is That I Hold Together," John revels, "Half as drunk / twice as clever." In the danceable "Your Only Joke," John sings, "Should you go / Please don't forget / To choke on your only joke / And any hopes you hang on."
But Ned does not forget its romantic side either. "Stuck," concerns the problems of a confused relationship. In that song, John ponders "Have a good time without me / I'm the center of your very being / ... Take it back / You astound me / Don't recall us ever being without this."
And when listeners wish to leave the somewhat mushy love songs, they can listen to the heavier songs, like "Borehole" or the great finale, "Song Eleven Could Take Forever." "Borehole" maintains a steadier and heavier beat, while the latter song feels like a synopsis of every song on the album.
Overall, "Brainbloodvolume"'s variety satisfies many types of music fans and stands as a perfect choice to play at parties or any sort of get-together.
"Brainbloodvolume" offers an emotional and energetic listen, making it satisfactory to any lover of punk, modern or alternative rock music.
Grade: B