ALBUM REVIEW: N.A.S.H. – INCREDIBLE VILLAINS

Band: N.a.s.H.

Album: Incredible Villains

Year: 2018

Label: Heavy Metal Records

Rock n’ roll. What once stood as a scene all its own bound together by a passionate belief in unconformity and rebellion has morphed into a genre that seems to consistently attempt to grasp for what once was. What used to be a way of life, a diehard niche of fanatics foaming at the mouth to hear that next riff, that next groove, has turned into a term used to describe many styles of popular music; blanket vocabulary thrown at what cannot be described otherwise.

While the modern rock scene may be in dire need of a rebirth, I believe some of its greatest hopes for a resurgence exist deep below the surface. They aren’t played on any radio stations, nor are they found on the jukebox at your favorite hangout. Rather, they are found finishing up their last set at 2 AM in the local bar to a crowd of ten people. Their demos are found at the recesses of the web waiting to be heard. Each week, they ritually gather in the basement to hone their craft once again. Soon, everyone will hear what they’ve been up to.

Incredible Villains (IV) is the sophomore effort from Greater New York City’s N.a.s.H. The record, out now via Heavy Metal Records, is the poster boy for what rock n’ roll in the 2010s should aim to achieve. A culmination of years of hard work and an undying loyalty to its cause, IV is comprised of interesting and dynamic hooks designed for beautiful sonic assault; direct, honest, and uncompromising in the truest sense.

Incredible Villains opens with looming track “The Fourth Wall” as it invites listeners to directly take part in what promises to be a grand display of rock revival. The track serves as a simple yet dense introduction, pushing and pulling at your core before erupting into “The Editor”. The following high-energy, punk-tinged anthem, constructed of driving drum grooves and soaring melodies, plays to each member of the band’s strength. Frontman Bryan Nash particularly shines right from the get-go, displaying an impressive vocal range and killer guitar work to boot. It is clear that a well-oiled N.a.s.H. machine has voluntarily strapped rock n’ roll to its back with a message for listeners that is loud and clear.

“The fourth wall concept is based on being open and honest with the fans. The character featured on the cover, the Editor, is desecrating that fourth wall that exists between us and the audience because that’s how we feel about it. You should be in love with your fans as much as they’re in love with you.” – Bryan N.a.s.H.

While N.a.s.H. places an obvious emphasis on catchy structures heard on IV tracks such as “Fair Verona” and “Adjust”, there is no doubt the band adopts heaviness and aggression just as comfortably. Cuts such as “Cellar Door” and fan favorite “D.I.T.C.H.” bring with them feelings that cannot adequately be put into words. The tracks command the attention of all within earshot and leave little to no room for negotiation, bringing an infectious vigor that is somehow increased tenfold live at one of the band’s shows. 

“We want people to connect with it. Heart, soul, everything that should be put into an album is there from front to back. I know everybody’s got their shit, but it’s not being put into music anymore. Not the way we want it to be. I think that’s why you’re able to hear these things and not skip tracks and feel it. You want to feel it.” – James N.a.s.H.

Throughout the entirety of IV, young blood lead guitarist Dylan Johnson brings with him some of the most compelling riffs in recent memory, accompanied by equally captivating solos. He noticeably takes control of his instrument in a way that is not nearly as prominent in rock music as it once was. Each riff comfortably intertwines with bassist Joe Nash’s resounding low-end enough to have you moving like you never thought possible. James Nash provides the backbone in support of it all, pummeling his SJC Custom drum kit with a hard-hitting precision similar to that of taking a bad day out on a punching bag. His grooves provide the context and tie the brothers together using a controlled sense of aggression that never strays from its main purpose.

While it is certainly hard to pin N.a.s.H. down as any one genre, this fact is admittedly fine by them. Each song on IV carries with it a different agenda, combining to create 45 minutes of favorable havoc on its own terms. In a world consistently consumed by labels, the band prefers letting the music speak for itself.

“I think the biggest thing is, if there is a message, it is loud and clear. This is an album for the people. For the lost people. It’s your identity if you want it.” – Bryan N.a.s.H.

Incredible Villains is out now via Heavy Metal Records. Grab yourself a copy online or at one of the band’s upcoming dates.

Connect with N.a.s.H. (click icons):

Album Review by Joe Koza, RockRevolt Journalist