Review: “Neurotic Age” by Nobody

Adorned by cover art from Don Artvaara another collection of acoustic Folk inspired Black Metal songs is on offer from the ever prolific Finnish multi instrumentalist and vocalist Tuomas Kauppinen an artist also known as Nobody. Mixed by Jaakko Luomanen (ex-Lähiöbotox) the record is a third EP since his arrival on the scene in 2020. If that doesn’t seem like much to be considered prolific then let us just add that he has also released five albums in that time, two albums and an EP being unleashed in 2023 alone…

A charming 1970’s air of American Progressive Rock surrounds “Stronger Than Dead” with hints of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds or Johnny Cash as an influence as a murder ballad style tale of darkness unfolds. Lush acoustic guitars and rich melodies give it the nice slow burn of hangover music despite the account being of madness, murder and disenfranchised youth, the meaning behind the song and its accompaniment seeming at odds despite fitting well. A warm solo in “Bullies” oozes class as the lyrical narrative once again takes centre stage on a good old fashioned politically charged protest song that asks a lot of questions. Who is at fault when children are deprived and bullying leads to violence at schools? It seems that Kauppinen need only watch the news of an evening to get inspired into writing a thought provoking tale. Changing direction ever so lightly by introducing a more powerful drum pattern “Dwarves of Bremen” has hints of acoustic Alice  In Chains about it, as does follow up “Godslayer” with an undercurrent of 90’s Grunge adding to the charm. The later has a moody electric guitar solo that is very much the icing on the metaphorical cake. So while your nursing your ferociously hot mourning coffee and swallowing some pills to ease a sore neck after a headbanging the night away at a show, this is essential listening [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Stronger Than Dead
2. Bullies
3. Dwarves of Bremen
4. Godslayer

“Neurotic Age” by Nobody is out 15th August 2024 via Inverse Records and is available for pre-order over at bandcamp