Self-described as Leicester’s foremost Garage Rock band, ‘9 o’clock Nasty’ might well be on their way to be outliving their own reputation. Their abrasive and wacky to the core, infused with an excitement and energy far surpassing most of their contemporaries. But really, when you start to think about it, do they even have any contemporary? 9’oclock Nasty is bafflingly unique, a group with a style that’s so intrinsically their own it’s hard to find a particular influence. There’s a lackadaisical swagger to their delivery, a true give no f*cks attitude to everything around them. Swerving between an aggressive and in your face energy on some tracks to complete languidness on the final piece just highlights their own dexterity and variety.
Above all though, the group have character that’s undeniably unparalleled amongst other garage artists. They’re hilariously tongue in cheek as well. The opening tune, ‘Say No To Funk’ clearly satirises some of the chords and progressions on the iconic ‘Funky Town’. It then moves to If They Won’t Eat Beef, which continues the guitar driven brash rock alongside the seemingly trademarked 9 o’clock Nasty wall-of-voices chorus call and response. It’s on the closing track ‘Last Chance’ where the group take a sharp u-turn. Rather than the quick soundbites from the previous couple of tracks, the album’s closer is much more measured, progressive, and relaxing.
Wacky, weird, and wonderful. In three simple words, that’s enough to summarise what 9 o’clock Nasty are all about. They’re the kind of group who’d be infinitely more enjoyable in a live setting. With so much passion imbued into every chord, drum pattern, and vocal delivery, it’s clear they’re revelling in their craft. Now four EPs down, I look forward to the group’s next experiment excitedly.
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