My first experience of NVRVD was on a split EP with the always excellent Coilguns (reviewed here) despite the fact that the band had had two previous releases (available on bandcamp via this link here). This is the first opportunity I have had to listen to a complete release from the band and it is, in many ways, an eye-opening experience. Whilst on a split EP shock and awe tactics are often best, here NVRVD have had the opportunity to spread themselves over six tracks, and the extra space has done much to allow their potential to shine ever brighter. Here art rock and elements of punk rub shoulders with hints of black metal and the angular, jazz-infused explosion of Dillinger Escape Plan for a record that defies any form of easy categorization, as it winds its way around the listener, only striking when its certain that we’re too far within its crushing grasp to escape.
Opening track ‘Oberohe’ is, quite simply and with no word of exaggeration, a masterpiece. Whilst the tracks on offer on the split EP were tightly focused blasts of intensity, here the band flex their muscles, opening with a simmering heat-haze of supercharged guitars that slowly slither around the listener. Only when complete subjugation has been achieved do the band unleash a crushing, Amebix-loving drum roll before charging headlong in a berserker frenzy into a punk-infused metallic melee only to withdraw at the last minute leaving you once more in the blissful, echoing hall of mirrors that opened the track. ‘Impartial eyes’ is more traditional fare, a blisteringly intense whiteout of pure metallic fury destined to overload any mosh pit the band deign to inflict it upon. ‘We are’ is even shorter, not even breaking the three-minute mark, and is delivered like a cross between Sepultura and McLusky such is the punk ferocity with which the band unleash their barbed lyrics. There is little room for excess, and even less for subtlety, but what you do get is an absolutely stripped down assault upon the senses, perfectly recorded, designed to leave you gasping for oxygen.
Of the EPs six tracks, ‘an echo to your unbeliefs’ is the shortest at just a hair over two minutes and yet it plays like the echoing soundtrack to a Spaghetti western, all ominous, slightly detuned guitar and menacing silences, slowly building into a gloriously heavy sludge track that segues perfectly into the unhinged destruction of ‘no heaven’. It is a perfect one-two punch, a knock-out blow that carries conviction and power and you can only sit back in slack-jawed admiration at the level of invention NVRVD have somehow crammed into tracks shorter than your average pop song. It highlights the fact that conviction and passion are the most important weapon in any band’s arsenal, and NVRVD have both in spades – if you worship at the altar of sludge and metal then NVRVD are liable to rapidly become your new favourite band, their innovation and skill drawing not unfavourable comparisons to the late, lamented, and still fucking brilliant Botch. Final track ‘Niederohe’ slips comfortably into the gap between progressive rock and post rock, the guitars building towards a riotous climax that threatens to tear your head clean off as it chugs and twists like oil-slicked wrestlers swinging at each other in a blood spattered arena. It is a grimly rewarding finale and it showcases once again the wealth of sonic tricks NVRVD have at their disposal, from the furious punk-inspired whiteouts of the central tracks to haunting, elegant post-rock grandeur filled out with off-kilter rhythms and shimmering leads for good measure.
There is no two ways about it, NVRVD are essential listening for anyone sick of the tedious predictability of the mainstream. As with Coilguns this is music played as art, a feeling further backed up by the record’s beautifully produced packaging (both the CD and vinyl editions look stunning, believe us), the most overriding concern being to make something that is both original and imaginative and NVRVD succeed on both levels. Coruscatingly heavy at times, and yet awash with nuance and subtle layering of sound at others, NVRVD aren’t prepared to give up the air of mystery that surrounds them just yet, and like the best bands on the circuit they leave you wanting more, never quite sure in what direction they will turn next. This is essential music for any truly adventurous soul and demands to be heard.
Are we right? Why not listen here and find out? (and then buy the thing – it is awesome!)
