NERVOSA
Wasteland
NERVOSABAND.CO.UK
Second full-length offering from Cornish modern proggers.
When Prog first mentioned this Cornish quintet online there were plenty of people pointing out they shared a name with an all-female thrash band from Brazil. But then ‘our’ Nervosa have been around longer, and judging by Wasteland, there’s not too much danger of them ever being confused. The band cite Muse, Porcupine Tree and Arcade Fire as influences, and Wasteland is imbued with a lush, modern progressive sound. Nervosa don’t sound like a specific ‘classic-era’ band, but the musical intellect on display could only have drawn inspiration from progressive music. Thus opener Chevron is melodic and catchy, before evolving into a dextrous instrumental section that highlights the talents of guitarist Andy Cunningham and keyboard player Bethany Lois. The two-part title track and Prelude soar majestically, vocalist Jon Winter’s soulful tones shining on the latter. Lois’ sax and own vocals make Countrycore a real joy while album closer Circle Of Friends has got epic written all over it. With mastering from The Pineapple Thief’s Steve Kitch, Wasteland is so good it makes you wonder how Nervosa have remained such a secret for so long?