No Age - Nouns

Nouns is the best album of 2008 so far by any standards. The duo No Age bring their sound with refreshing consideration to punk-attuned audiences with no qualms. Hailing from Los Angeles, their guitar and drums combination with insightful lyrics layered on top provides the recipe for a great half hour of listening. In particular, Nouns emphasizes No Age’s lo-fi melodies that provide a for cushion for lyrics that hold meaning and mentality. Stand out songs include Eraser, Teen Creeps, and Sleeper Hold. The nicest thing about their sound is that it forms a cocoon of listening, but is still edgy. Eraser features a tambourine that emphasizes the garage aspect of the group, but the sound is resolved and precise. The amount of care and time put into crafting the tracks is reassuring in that this is the real thing and not random happenstance. Teen Creeps is my favorite track off the album, because the hook is catchy and the story that the lyrics tell. The distortion creates a warm fuzzy aura around the already vibrant riffs and lyrics. Accessible to even non experimental listeners, this album seamlessly meshes the post punk movement with Indie rock and what is currently happening in the noise scene. In essence, a punk rock gradation into experimental sounds. Currently touring the UK, No Age will be back in the US this summer. A show not to miss by any means I’m sure. Sub Pop Records.