DLW took on the duties when this Lancashire based band asked us what we thought of their EP.
Hydro-Electric NUN hail from Manchester and the line up consists of Malc on Guitar/Vocals, Jay on Bass/Vocals and Gag on Drums/Vocals. I checked their Facebook page out and discovered that the band are relatively new, their first gig being St Davids Day (March 1st ) 2020.
After a further exploratory reading of their page, Malc seems to have been the constant and after working in different bands (PMT, CBU, M K Ultra) dating back to 1986 he has assembled this new line-up and eventually formed H.E. NUN last year. They describe their sound as a mixture of Punk, Mod, Rock, Grunge and something else that they can't quite put their finger on..... Let's explore further.
Three tracks. First one being 'Start'. Opening up with a nice little guitar riff with drums and bass crashing behind it. It's pretty evident from the onset that they are influenced by that Grunge sound as the guitar has a pleasingly dirty sound to it. None of your clean pop nonsense. It's difficult to pin just who they remind me of, going back to their self-described sound - "something they can't put their finger on" - seems very apt. Solid drumming and bass sitting very nicely in the mix as the song drives on. Melodic vocals are putting the cherry on top of the cake. After a short solo the track quietens down, bass and drums keeping it all going before they continue the aural onslaught and clever riffing. Overall a very good opening track.
Next up is 'Blood'. Starting in a similar vein to 'Start', Blood literally carries on where 'Start' left off. I think I'm right in assuming that this track features two of the band members taking on lead vocals as they trade lyrics with each other, spitting them out. Another break-down as drums and bass thunder away before being joined by the guitars again, raising the ante. Mid-paced good old fashioned grunge rock. Like most three-piece bands of this genre, they nail it. 'Blood' ends as it begins which leads us to the final track, 'Throw Back'
Straight in and slightly more up tempo than the previous two. The guitar undulates majestically, providing the driving force for this composition. Backed up once again by the solid rhythm section. It motors along nicely before a break, allowing a little space and providing an opportunity for the lads to create an atmospheric middle eight. Then the bass rattles away, keying the rest of the band to join in and continue on. All in all, a most excellent trio of numbers that if you have a spare ten minutes or so, you should check these guys out as I can imagine they will only get better. Good job guys.
Words: DLW
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