EP REVIEW: Rude, Dumb & Anxious – Hot Nuns

Having only started last year and despite being new to the rock scene, Norwegian duo HOT NUNS are already making a name for themselves. Known for their stripped down power punk/rock, their new EP Rude, Dumb & Anxious arrives as the band state that if the songs cannot be translated well live, then it will not be on the record. With that in mind, will the songs on the EP hold that statement up?

Opening track, Can’t Get Over You, is a very promising start. The fast paced rock anthem is perfect for both an arena and small clubs. The guitars are frantic as they are matching the energy of the drums. The vocals are raw, but also soft when they want to be. This is a juxtaposition that works well, especially with the instruments in the background.

Don’t let the short runtime of the next song fool you. I Love You Still, I Always Will packs a powerful punch of energy in two minutes and fifty seconds. Although it is slightly softer than the previous song, but this does not affect the pacing of the EP. The only criticism is that the ending of the song sounds a lot like a BLINK-182 song, which is a shame because it negatively affects the pacing of the EP, due to the ending not sounding like the bulk of the song.

Thankfully, a cover of THE BOYS‘ song First Time shortens the runtime of the original by ten seconds, but this does not negatively affect the song. The energy the original conveyed is cranked up to eleven as everything feels stronger. Although most cover songs do not show the original version respect; this cover expands upon the sound of the original whilst also showing it respect. A commendable effort.

The final and titular song, Rude, Dumb & Anxious, is a grunge song which is more bass heavy, which would sound amazing in a live environment. The only issue here is that it ends unexpectedly, which makes the overall song sound unfinished. This is a shame because the entire EP so far was very strong with solid pacing throughout.

In conclusion, despite sounding unfinished during the last song, this EP shows that HOT NUNS have real talent. The inclusion of a cover song emphasises the range of music that the duo can play. For a band only a year into their career, if they continue in this direction, they have a bright future ahead of them.

Rating: 7/10

Rude, Dumb & Anxious is out now via Loyal Blood Records.

Like HOT NUNS on Facebook.