Second to Last
Nobody Cares
Self-Released (2013)
Score: 7/10
In my opinion, there’s a shortage of fun, 90s skate punk bands these days. Everyone is going for a breakdown or overly-produced drums and vocals, but not Second to Last. Admittedly, they’re not coming to the punk scene’s rescue or breaking any genre barriers – but I’m willing to bet there are plenty of parts on Nobody Cares that will leave you feeling nostalgic for some of your old favorite bands.
This record has a nice mix of moody tracks and those that fall closer to the “let’s-get-high-and-hang-out” side of the fence. Some, unexpectedly, are both, like “Your Favorite Cigarette.” But the record really takes off during the melody-driven “Untitled,” a song I could put on repeat for hours because of its smooth sound and enticing little guitar riff toward the end.
The writing is a definite highlight of Nobody Cares, proving once again that simplicity and honesty usually come across a lot better than overly intricate wordplay. My favorite track is actually a re-release of “Radiation,” which originally appeared earlier this year on the band’s Changing Tides EP. The chugging guitar and heavy-hearted prose infused with that soaring hook really make for a standout song. “And all I’ve got to help me to sleep/Is your face in my head and the glow from my T.V.”
“Window Seat” is another flagship effort, sticking to their usual template of straightforward angsty punk rock. Songs like that one and “Blaze” will get you to turn your volume knob to the right more and more with each play. And the bittersweet finale “Bucket List,” with its awesome chorus and poignant songwriting, is a great track to close the curtains on.
Nobody Cares is an enjoyable album from a hard-working, talented band. And it’s a little bit ironic that the name of arguably their best effort is Nobody Cares, because I guarantee you this record will gain them some new fans.
No Comments