NEW BOMB TURKS
The Night Before The Day The Earth Stood Still (Gearhead)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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You know, I've read quite a few reviews of this, the latest NBTs album, that were less than, shall we say, kind to the band. I'm at a loss to explain why so many folks are down on this new CD, because it's fucking great! I mean, really, really great. Aside from the fact that it was one of the best album titles I've heard in awhile, it just sounds really good. In fact, I think it's the best thing they've put out in awhile. Not that their last few CDs weren't good, but this one really flies out of the gate, from the bluesy swagger, replete with horns, of the title track, to the '70s glam sound of "Pretty Lightening" to the straight up punk of "Hassle St." to some cool soul-punk hybrid on "Grifted" (more horns!). The main thing is, all the songs have excellent hooks, and there's enough variety to make the album really interesting. Sense of humor still fully intact, the totally silly "Don't Bug Me, I'm Nutty" - wait, did Rev Norb write this? - still rocks with its fab blues harp workout. "Rat Feelings," with its frantic rhythm guitar, sounds like the Velvet Underground on speed - oh, wait, they were on speed - nevermind. Even a ballad such as "Like Ghosts," with its ringing acoustic guitar and organ flourishes, drips with sincerity and a melancholy vibe without sounding wimpy or overly saccharine. Kudos also for the cool backwards guitar solo at the end. Overall, a fantastic release!

© 2003 - Alan Wright