The Beat Surrender

Devon based Nozzle were originally formed in 1995 by lead singer and songwriter Dave Blombery initially as a side line to his work with New Model Army. The band comprises of Dave on Guitar/vocals, Leigh Winsor on Bass and Joe Breban on Drums. Empire is there third album release to date.

A popular band across Europe who have toured in the past but seem to stay close to home when possible, they play a blend of anthemic or indie rock but with a melodic almost pop sound. pening and title track Empire is a solid rock number, perhaps a little dated in sound but for me ok. For the next track the tempo speeds up, Complicated seemed to suit the band better.

Twisted Love is another slower number, in the style of much of the indie music from the 90’s with a touch of the glam rock from the 70’s. Buried Alive had a good intro but for me when it actually got going it was a bit of a disappointment, a bit bland and boring. Perfect takes the tempo back down, very softly sung, a gentle sad love song, with strong anthemic guitars in the background lifting from time to time.

I really liked the next track, Undeniable, liked the twists in tempo and delivery, it stood out as it had a different sound to the rest of the album. The best track of the album for me was That Was Then, very much in the style vocally and musically of Manic Street Preachers, if they have to lift a single this is the one I would like to hear on the radio, it has street cred but enough pop to appeal across a wide range.

The next track Choices sounded too much like other tracks on the album, didn’t stand out but was delivered in a faultless way. Its hard to believe these are a three piece, they come across as very tight, perhaps the length of time they’ve been together helps, the overall delivery is faultless. Hands of God is another track which left me wanting to nod along, the strong beat and sliding rock guitars are amazing. The last track again has a change in style, piano lead for a change, much slower but unfortunately for me not as strong as earlier tracks.

Dave Blomberg is a clever chap, not only did he write all the tracks, he sings, plays various guitars and the piano, he also did the artwork design on the cd sleeve and very nice it was.

The more I listened the more I liked this band, amazingly professional . I haven’t heard of them touring in the north of England which is a shame as I would have liked to have caught them if they were planning to promote this album. I guess a downside to them are the sound is so strong it really wouldn’t suit your local pub and would need a reasonabley sized venue to be fully appreciated, but hopefully I’ll get to see someday for myself.