ALBUM REVIEW: Doom Loop – Dream Nails
Queer punk outfit DREAM NAILS make their return with their second album Doom Loop. The quartet have already gained popularity for their loud lyrics and outspoken feelings towards gender-violence and the treatment of the LGBTQ community, and this time around they have come back with legendary producer Ross Orton (ARCTIC MONKEYS, THE FALL) to create something that, in their own words, “reflects a passionate fight for empathy in a divided world.”
That passion is obvious from the jump. Opening with lead single Good Guy, the band kick off with what can only be described as fast rock ‘n’ roll meets classic rock. The spoken word vocals then come in and instantly you find yourself in awe of how cool and confident they come across. If you had to compare it to anything, this feels like a song out of the early to mid-00s that would be featured on a young adult/teen drama that overall leaves you feeling pumped and motivated.
Following this is Case Dismissed – a track that experiments with industrial garage rock that sounds awesome; and if that isn’t enough, there are also electronic elements that are also super impressive, and the continuation of cool sounding vocals and an anthemic chorus that has you ready to sing along.
Each track tells a story in its own way, all of which boils down to the frustration the band feel at the hate and prejudice towards individuals who are simply trying to exist. There are many moments of social commentary told in DREAM NAILS‘ unique way that stand out but perhaps two highlights would be Geraniums, an anthemic punk track that seemingly tells a story about someone coming to terms with their gender identity; and Sometimes I Do Get Lonely, Yeah, a funk-rock track that once again uses spoken word to call out double standards and the weird argument of a minorities apparently being “privileged” when evidence shows the exact opposite. It’s just a brilliant track that accurately explores this, alongside stereotypes and sexism experienced on different ends of the gender identity spectrum.
What more can be said about DREAM NAILS is that it’s hard to compare them to other artists in the rock community, as they seem to be in a league of their own. The only name that maybe comes to mind is NOVA TWINS, but more so in the way that both bands approach rock music with the attitude of there being no rules and have both created something entirely unique to them.
All there’s left to say is that Doom Loop a fantastic punk record that oozes confidence and chemistry and, of course, leaves you ready to fight bigots.
Rating: 8/10
Doom Loop is out now via Marshall Records.
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