NORA Save Yourself (2007)

18 October 2007
NORA Save Yourself (2007)
  • Лейбъл: Trustkill Records / Wizard
  • Издаден: 2007
  • Aвтор: Стефан Йорданов
  • Оценка:
It could have all gone horribly wrong, no goddamn doubt about it. With all these metalcore bands springing from every corner near your street, Nora can easily be missed or even worse, judged by their name. Let’s face it - Nora is a great name for a modern band. Well, maybe an emo band, to be more precise. But they are not. Carl, Christopher, Matthew, Steven and Mike are just normal guys with quite normal families and friends. They have taken their time to explain the purpose of their new record in a vast and occasionally touching sleeve note spreading over a full page of the beautifully designed booklet. They use quotes from Antoine De Saint-Exupery. They seem like clever chaps who have taste and class. Oh, I forgot - the music… Here’s the tough part, you know. If you spend the whole running time of “Save Yourself” sitting in front of the stereo and reading the verbal side of each song, you won’t be disappointed, believe me. These small pieces of poetry (yes, I dare to call them like that) feel like tiny fairy tales for adult children. Combined with the intense and chaotic sound of the record, the words become simply unbeatable, but then I’ve got to warn you that you need to have thick nerves to endure the dramatic screams that literally fly from the speakers attempting to ruin your hearing. For people who prefer their music slow and melodic, this one would be a little bit too much. First, the song structures are weird; second, there’s this awful screamo attitude, and third… What was third? Ah, yeah, the odd guitar work here and there. Lethargic and repetitive rhythms will become tiresome, if you listen to this while driving or doing something else during that time. “Save Yourself” demands your full concentration to be acknowledged and properly accepted, but even then it’s not for all.