Nerves are an experimental punk band from the West of Ireland and they release their debut EP Glórach on 15 March via Blowtorch Records. The literal translation of Glórach is noisy although it has more of a connotation of outspoken rather than just loud. It’s an appropriate title for this EP which is recorded and co-produced by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band. Nerves blend punk, hardcore, industrial and samples, producing a devastating sonic soundscape.
After the spoken word of opener ‘larthar’, Glórach moves into ‘Empty‘. It’s a savage statement of intent all droning guitar and bass, corrosive blasts of feedback and gut-wrenching vocals. Here Nerves have combined gothic punk and metallic soundscapes to industrial overtones.
A slightly quieter start on ‘Leigue‘ but it doesn’t take long for the scratching guitars to kick in and the anguished vocals to express pain. Both continue to build with the anxiety increasing as the track progresses. This is reflected in the melody which becomes more chaotic until a sudden break and an echoey, haunting section still suggests tension. ‘Leigue’ has a narrative, it seems to be so much more than a song, weaving its story telling throughout and holding the listener as if enchanted by its spell.
‘Thirteen’ blasts forth, full of gothic undertones. Menacing yet energetic it begins in a swirl of sound. However there is a sudden halt and it becomes crisp and clear before ramping up again. Thundering along with a vocal full of feeling ‘Thirteen’ will again surprise the listener. The percussive drum beat and background guitar riff are gentle yet tight. ‘Thirteen’ is epic in the true sense of the word. Rather than the march to the verse chorus verse pattern, it seems to tell a story within the soundscape. The tension ebbs and flows throughout the track and the listener is wrapped within this landscape of sound.
‘Scread Mé’ is another spoken word piece, an interview which is all the more chilling as the listener is unclear as to the detailed context but it does appear to be in relation to the response to a traumatic event. This is followed by a complete change of pace with ‘Porcelain‘. A quiet vocal full of a expression is interspersed with blasts of guitar riffs. Contemplative and emotive and yet there is always a slice of tension not too far off. ‘An Nead’ is a spoken word piece in the Irish language, the majority of which is a recital by children, perhaps expressing the future of the language. The fade off stills has a slice of distortion, again expressing tension and anxiety.
Glórach finishes with ‘Enclosed’ which references Dublin and the struggle it faces with gentrification and the every increasing pressure on the city and its inhabitants. Here the instrumentation leads the way and the noise created is simply exhilarating. Degradation and emigration in Ireland are themes that are present throughout the EP, and this track is a perfect end, encapsulating this in the sonic representation. Nerves have created an EP which is a body of word portraying conflict and tensions within Irish society. The impact of the traumas of the past continue into the present and this seeps into the very soul of the music of Nerves.
For more information on Nerves please check out their facebook and instagram.
