Artist: Nail
Title: Self-titled
Type: Album
Label: Mole Records
You might expect a band called Nail to have a hard edge but this isn’t really the case with this Canadian band. There’s nothing wrong with that of course. The first track “No Way Out” has the distinct flavour of North American rock, chunkier and less flamboyant than Skid Row and Bon Jovi but musically in the same general division. The band themselves, who are formed of ex Helix members, quote Tool and Ozzy as a loose comparison. The album “Nail” is smooth, at times soft, and has a feel good factor. The picture I developed is of Nail playing in the background as an infinitely preferable option to Robbie Williams as friends gather together on a nice day, share conviviality and a few beers. My life’s not like that, which possibility is why it didn’t register with me. Yet technically it’s very good, the song structures can be imaginative and the lyrics are interesting enough. “Right Now” has distinct overtones of Fleetwood Mac with an inoffensive catchy chorus, but in amongst the silky rock smoothness, characterful acoustic and electric guitar sections are introduced, before leading into a bagpipe section at the end. “Carpe Diem” also has character, developing into an energetic sound. The other track I really liked was “Fishbowl” which is a nice track. It’s a good song with strong lyrics and a distinctive shadowy riff going on in the background. The female vocalist has a good voice but can be over plaintive. On “Fishbone”, it’s perfect.
Unfortunately there is a lot of mid-paced, bland rock dreariness on “Nail”. The last track F.O.A.D., in spite of its provocative title, is like this. It’s a shame, because while it’s a perfectly acceptable song, it’s not exciting in any sense. Yet elsewhere there are strong signs of originality trying to break out. When Nail break away from the standard North American rock sound, they’re really good. Overall, whilst having reservations, I quite liked the album and I’m sure there are others of a less heavy persuasion who will appreciate it more than me.
http://www.myspace.com/nailtheband
http://www.nailband.com
Andrew Doherty
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