Nervosa

Showbread | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 13, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Tooth & Nail Records
• ASIN: B0016CP38U
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,891 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Showbread prefers recreating the band's musical tone with every album, this album is no exception. The first thing that makes this record special is the fact that it is two records released on the same day, each with twelve completely different songs. One album is called Anorexia and the other is called Nervosa and they are soundtracks to a story called Anorexia Nervosa which is split into two, ten chapter segments, one segment comes included with one record and the second comes with the other. As you read the story, the album acts as a musical accompaniment to the text. Musically, the sound is some of the most lush, organic as well as some of the most harsh, synthetic material we've ever done. It's sweeping and ominous, then jagged and screeching.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blown Away, May 15, 2008

By 

Joel Lux "Eschatology Student" (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nervosa (Audio CD)

I went into Anorexia Nervosa not knowing what to think, having both enjoyed and been disappointed by their last effort, Age Of Reptiles (it was really good, but not at all what I expected, what with having little to no screaming in it). So imagine my surprise when I pick this up, and I am floored by the diversity.

Maybe it is too soon for me to be reviewing these 2, but I can't choose which I like better.

First and foremost are the stories. The stories are wonderfully told, and beautiful. Aside from several typos in the booklet, it is simply amazing to read such well thought out, poignant prose. Reading it along with the music makes it all the more effective, although I haven't gotten the chance to really do so all the way through in one sitting as of yet.

The music is incredibly diverse while sounding like a true Showbread album. The sounds bounce back and forth at an alarming rate, all while never sounding forced, while sounding natural.

As a huge Reese Roper fan, the last song on Nervosa is a great addition. But above and beyond being an RR fan, the song itself is just good, and a good end to a good album.

To find such a complete, well thought out package is amazing. To have it be this good is even better.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Unique and Sensitive Concept Album, January 14, 2010

By 

Media Lover - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Nervosa (Audio CD)

I had never heard "Showbread" before this Christmas. I received "Age of Reptiles" as a present, and quickly fell in love with it. The songs were catchy, the lyrics were quirky and meaningful and the overall flow and pacing was simply incredible. So, naturally, having loved AoR so much, I grabbed another album.

Now, I'm aware that "Nervosa" is the second part of a series, but it was the only one I could find... Really, it doesn't throw anything off. That being said, it is a HUGE change of pace from "Age of Reptiles." It's themes range from teenage pregnancy, animal cruelty, rape, hedonism, and ultimately a very graphic (and moving) representation of Christ's redeeming love. I won't say this album is for everyone (in fact, it's very like the soundtrack to an R rated "Christian" musical set in the world of "Blade Runner" or even "Jabba's Palace" from "Return of the Jedi."

Bits of this epic are incredibly disturbing, sad and even shocking. ALL OF THAT BEING SAID... If you are, in fact, willing to take this album seriously enough... You will find INCREDIBLE messages within. The sacrifice of the spotless lamb, the redemption of the whore, the hope of eternity for the life of Nervosa's child, the obviously disgusting portrayal of sinful humanity, etc.

WHAT THIS ALBUM IS:
An amazing and brutal peek into the rebellion of humanity and the loving intent of it's Creator... God. It's a moving and often highly disturbing tribute to the sacrifice of Christ.

WHAT THIS ALBUM IS NOT:
A good casual listen that you'll replay often. The lyrics and themes presented here make Underoath's "Lost in the Sound of Separation" feel like a Sunday morning chapel service. I really respect the artists for creating something SO INCREDIBLY counter cultural... but at the same time, I think they've created a true beast that only the most dedicated listeners will get anything out of (except for perhaps a headache and slight confusion.)

BOTTOM LINE
Buy this to experience it, or not at all. It's a sad and beautiful tale that packs a similar emotional punch to an R rated movie filled with Christian messages.

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerful story of Redemption, June 10, 2010

By 

Evan Dixon (Savannah, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nervosa (Audio CD)

in all honesty, this is one of the most powerful albums that i've ever listened to. there are a few things about it, however, that should be considered - because this is definitely a unique album.

1. it is meant to be listened to as a whole, for the most part. i've listened to it for the past three days and each time i listened to it all the way through. the message is more impacting this way.

2. the story should be read while listening to this album. originally i downloaded this off the internet and did not own a physical copy. now, however, i am glad that i bought the CD, because the short story included in the booklet is integral.

overall, this is a powerful album which tells the story of Redemption thru Christ in a powerful way. even if you are not necessarily a fan of Showbread, i recommend giving this album a shot.