The Bloody Nerve lay claim to being the “rock ‘n’ roll guardians of the West”, a bold statement for sure, but then rock ‘n’ roll was never a battle for the faint of heart or the short-of-self-confidence. All Blood, No Treasure Act I is a three-track EP that consistently surprises as the band explore an impressive array of influences and while it doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, it’s an impressive first outing, introducing the band to its audience with aplomb.
The EP kicks off with A Million Arms and the sort of super-lunged scream that was once the province of Axl Rose. For sure, Laurie Ann Layne has a cracking voice – one-part hard rock roar to two parts punk sneer (imagine a hybrid of Axl, Danzig and Alison Mosshart and you’re in the ballpark) – and the band lay down a suitably thunderous backdrop, all dusty guitars and spleen-rupturing percussion. It’s a strong introduction and its follow-up, the hard rock of What’s It Say? (About You) is even better, throwing in a duet (between Laurie and guitarist Stacey) that allows an alternative influence to creep into proceedings. Stacey is clearly a guitarist of no small ability, while the band’s secret weapon may well be Richie Russo, who delights in keeping things interesting behind the kit. The final track, Roads, brings this short EP to a close as Laurie unleashes the band’s manifesto over raging guitar and slinky bass. That alternative influence is still there, skewing the EP away from simple hard rock, and showcasing a different set of dynamics that recalls the Bob Rock era of Veruca Salt. With a powerful groove and an engaging performance from the band, it leaves the listener wanting more, which is as well, as the band already have Act II in the works.
All Blood, No Treasure Act I is a great introduction to The Bloody Nerve. With a diverse array of influences that ranges from the hard rock greats of the seventies to the alt-rock titans of the nineties, there’s enough going on here to suggest that the band are interested in carving out their own niche, and this EP is a strongly recommended start. 8.5/10
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