Single Review: Nerve Clinic – Self Titled EP

This is one of those times when I get sent a new release for review with no information other than a download link, so with nothing to go on other than the source of the release and the band name I’m going in blind to investigate Nerve Clinic‘s new self titled release. The EP is set for release on the 16th February 2018 via Hidden Home Records, a label that is building a reputation for releases from an eclectic roster of acts that bring something different to the punk spectrum.

The opening track The Pattern is a heady dose of bouncy indie punk with an infectious chorus that will appeal to fans of Bowling For Soup, OK Go, Wicked Bears and Nerf Herder, this is followed by the harder edged We Are Here And That’s About It that contains all the ingredients of the preceding track, but it’s delivered with a heavier and more urgent feel. Sinner takes the EP into a darker place but retains the irresistible indie punk bounce that characterises the EP, whilst Impounds And Imposters brings things full circle and closes Nerve Clinic‘s self titled EP in style.

Sometimes having no preconceptions about a new release is a positive, you go in with an open mind with no preconceptions or comparisons, and I found that with this self titled release Nerve Clinic have delivered an EP that’s something of a contradiction, musically this is four tracks of bouncy upbeat indie punk, but this is also a release that has a touch of darkness to it’s lyrical content. Nerve Clinic is an impressive four tracks where punk and indie have collided head on to impressive effect, and it’s another release that confirms that Hidden Home Records remains one of best grass roots labels out there.

Nerve Clinic‘s self titled EP can be pre-ordered on cassette via Hidden Home Records here

The Hidden Home Records Bandcamp can be found here