Nouns (W/Book) (Dig)

No Age

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2008)
• Original Release Date: May 6, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sub Pop
• ASIN: B00168ZIBQ
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,916 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Sub Pop debut by this LA duo is succinctly all encompassing, from the faux simplicity of the title to the beautiful distortion of its sound, to the packaging that includes a 68-page full-color book packed with photos and art pieces. The record opens with a symphony of noise and sometimes creeps, sometimes smashes through a sonic headlock befitting "Daydream Nation"-era Sonic Youth, Kiwi pop, My Bloody Valentine, and experimental noise.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pop Dressed Up With Noise , May 20, 2008

By	billy - See all my reviews

For what it aims to do, mainly dressing up short and poppy songs with punk rock energy, noise, and ambient elements, Nouns succeeds mightily. It's a short and energetic burst that is over before you know it. At worst, it provides an opportunity to simply rock out, at its best it's beautiful, chaotic, and energetic all at the same time.

I first saw No Age open up for Liars, and I enjoyed them but wasn't blown away by them. I liked their energy and their ambient interludes, but they struck me as kind of simple. Their short songs seemed unfinished. I also tend to view two piece bands as a bit of a gimmick after I've heard The White Stripes and Death From Above 1979 over and over again. So I wasn't really prepared to enjoy this album as much as I did. It took a couple of listens, but after I fully digested the hooks and dug through some of the noise this album really opened up.

The album kicks off with Miner, an uptempo number that sets Nouns off in typical thrashing style. It's a quick, straight forward song with buried vocals. It's got a very hooky guitar riff and nice energy. Teen Creeps is another highlight with an absolutely soaring chorus. My favorite song on the album is Sleeper Hold. It manages to sound epic at less than 3 minutes. Their are also ambient interludes scattered throughout the album that add atmosphere and also provide a respite from the more energetic songs.

A lot of music labeled as "indie" has a tendency to lack any backbone, and No Age doesn't have that problem. It harkens back to a time when independent bands actually rocked. No Age is treading on similar ground as Husker Du, Sonic Youth, and Dinosaur Jr.-noisy but ultimately catchy bands. It's not as good as those artists best work, but it's a fun and enjoyable album.

Nouns is one of my favorite releases of 2008. If you're a fan of Sonic Youth, Husker Du, or Dinosaur Jr, chances are you'll enjoy this band, or if you're just tired winsome and limp indie rock, then check out this album. No Age also gets point for the packaging, which comes with a book full of photos. It's nice to see a band make an effort in that department for a change.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars warm happy ambience. , August 8, 2008

By	Fake Mcname "snack attack" (boise, ID) - See all my reviews

I would recommend this CD to someone who isn't looking for instant satisfaction out of an album but something that grows on you with more listens. I think the out come is more enjoyable if you have to work for it. I had the same experience with weirdo rippers.

This album has a warm, fuzzy, and happy ambience. Its filled with cryptic lyrics and naive sounding vocals. The distorted noise that seems initially to be an annoyance will eventually move into the background and the melodies will start to surface.

I'm not a critic but I love music and this satisfies my fix. It never sounds too familiar. I love listening to music that isn't completely predictable and this would be that.

Listen to Teen Creeps.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly enjoyable, January 3, 2009

By	Anaximander (Texas) - See all my reviews

Many reviewers have noted the MBV, Sonic Youth and Dino Jr. influences apparent on this album. I am often disappointed with bands that have great influences but are unable to add something new to the mix or are incapable of a writing a decent song. Maybe I am simplistic, but I want a good hook and melody behind the wall of noise. No Age brings both to this album. It is not for everyone, but listen to Easer, Teen Creeps or Sleeper Hold to see if you like it. This album isn't a masterpiece like Loveless or Sister, but it doesn't need to be. There is something fun, unique and slightly uplifting about this noise pop gem.