| Artist |
| Nex |
| Title |
| Dansylvania |
| Format/Cat |
| n/a |
| Label |
| Rising Records |
| Style |
| Progressive/Metal/Rock |
| Date of review |
| 11 April 2008 |
| Reviewer |
| Stuart Moses |
| Rating |
| 6/10 |
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"Dansylvania" starts with a distorted guitar, which bounces from left to right and back again. Nex are possessed by punk energy, but lack that genre's interest in political matters. Instead they are more interested in the party they are set to attend and what their transportation to aforementioned event will be. In case you are wondering I can tell you this: they are going by taxi. While for many the best part of going to a party is the preparation, in the case of Nex, it's at the party itself where things get interesting. There's an early Chilli Peppers intensity and unpredictability that beguiles the listener as Nex catalogue the people in attendance, 'Pasty! Well dressed! Birthday!' before concluding the partygoers are 'vampires'. Thematically it reminds me Faith No More's "Anne's Song", though the singing is much more tuneful. There are some over-the-top 80s female backing vocals. Elsewhere keyboard stabs scream to me 'Batman', the 60s TV series rather than the gloomy films.
"Witch Hunting" is a strong follow-up, though it lacks the over-the-top inventiveness and fun of "Dansylvania". There is a modern synthetic edge to this rock music, with Nine Inch Nails-style production values. There's a crunchy guitar sound and some serious use of flange that make this song such a thrilling ride. The most interesting section is the middle eight, when the tempo drops and the atmosphere takes over. I could quite happily listen to this bit of the song all day, but of course the maelstrom returns. "Before The Storm" brings this single to a close. It's the weakest song on offer, showcasing the most raucous side of the band. Nex are at their most effective when they prioritise caressing rather than bludgeoning the listener. Overall they show much potential. They have fizz, energy and spark. If you want a modern rock band filled with glamour then you need look no further.
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