Review: Nothingheads ‘The Art Of Sod’
The journey of Nothingheads, the London-based four-piece hardcore art punk rock band, has been a swift and dynamic one since their inception in 2020. From the very beginning, this group of talented musicians set out with a clear vision – to avoid the trap of repetition and forge a unique, captivating sound that would cement their place in today’s rock landscape.
In those early days, they immersed themselves in the raw, uncompromising energy of the Digging mindset, channelling the unhinged spirit of Scratch Acid or perhaps a bit of Steve Albini’s Big Black, as they unleashed not one, but two mini albums worth of delightfully unhinged material. However, this was merely the opening salvo, a bold declaration of intent that hinted at the artistic evolution to come.
Now, Nothingheads have arrived with their debut full-length offering, The Art Of Sod, a title that serves as a vivid portrait of a thoroughly pissed-off individual. This album represents the culmination of the band’s relentless sonic experimentation and refining of their craft. Gone are the days of merely scratching the surface – Nothingheads have dug deep, unearthing a sound that is simultaneously abrasive and captivating, a perfect reflection of the tumultuous times in which we find ourselves.
With each track, the listener is taken on a wild, cathartic journey, as the band’s raw energy and unwavering commitment to artistic growth coalesce into a truly unforgettable musical experience. In the span of just a few short years, Nothingheads have managed to transition from promising upstarts to the newly emerging sound of today’s rock universe, a testament to their unwavering dedication and boundless creativity.
It’s all too common in the music industry for critics and journalists (me included) to latch onto a convenient comparison or narrative without truly immersing themselves in the unique sound and artistic vision of a band. Such is the case with the Nothingheads, a group whose music has been unfairly pigeonholed by some as a derivative of the iconic post-punk outfit Public Image Ltd. (PIL) based solely on a superficial similarity in the vocalist’s raspy, cynical delivery. While there may be a passing resemblance to the unmistakable vocal stylings of John Lydon, to dismiss the Nothingheads‘ output as a mere imitation would be a gross oversimplification.
The Art Of Sod is a captivating and frenetic listening experience from start to finish…
The band’s sound, though tinged with the same sardonic, confrontational spirit that defined the best of the post-punk era, is ultimately a unique amalgamation of influences that defies easy categorisation. Hints of Mark E. Smith’s caustic croon from The Fall can certainly be detected, or I shall say more vocally (and at times musically) nearer to the Idles’s Joe Talbot. Yet Nothingheads have managed to forge their own distinct musical identity, one that seamlessly blends jagged, angular guitar work, hypnotic basslines, and a relentless, almost primal rhythmic sensibility.
To write them off as mere PIL, The Fall or Idles copyists without delving deeper into their catalogue would be a disservice, as the band have demonstrated a remarkable ability to take the raw, unbridled energy of their forebears and channel it into something fresh, captivating, and wholly their own.
The Art Of Sod is a captivating and frenetic listening experience from start to finish. Each of the ten tracks that make up this debut release on the prominent Ron Adams Manchester indie label Sister 9 Recordings is charged with a palpable energy and an unyielding, fast-paced rhythm that grabs the listener’s attention. From the very first notes, you can feel your heart rate quicken as the music surges forward with an almost frenzied momentum, sweeping you up in its turbulent wake.
These are not passive, background songs – they demand your full attention, challenging and invigorating you with their violent Crumbs Of Pleasures that refuse to let you settle into a comfortable, peaceful state. Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, the band plunges you even further Down The Doomhole, an abyss of distorted guitars, thundering drums, and vocals that verge on the primal.
It’s an album that leaves you drained, yet exhilarated – as if you’ve just emerged from an intense physical workout, your body drenched in sweat but your mind buzzing with the rush of adrenaline. This is music that refuses to be passive background noise; it demands to be felt, to be experienced, to be surrendered to completely. And for those willing to take the plunge, the rewards are immense.
Label: Sister 9 Recordings
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
