What was so special about 1986 to make this Austin quartet name themselves after the year? Maybe it had something to do with the music from that time. Certainly the alt-rock scene was flourishing, and it definitely left an impression on both the band and
Nihilism Is Nothing to Worry About, their debut album. However,
1986's influences certainly don't end there, and it's the group's vibrant, multi-textured styling that makes
Nihilism so intriguing. Hailing from Texas, you'd expect a bit of C&W to have rubbed off on their sound, and it does right across the intro to "I Know." "."22 Caliber" is peppered with a western flavor, although the song itself builds into a spectacular indie pop rocker, while "Creep Like Me" boasts some of the most wonderfully and deliberately turgid rockabilly you'll ever hear. As heavy as that latter number is, "Holiday" is equally bright and light, all sweet, acoustic guitar and glowing melody. Magnificent melodies are obviously all important to
1986, be they're delivered in the fabulously brash alt-rock style of "Mechanical Dreams," or in the old-school punk-splashed style of "It's Too Bad." Catchy choruses are also integral to their sound, with the most hook-ridden one found on "Better When You're Stoned," but twinned to dense, intense verses. And then there's spectacular dynamics and intricate arrangements, "Comatose" boasts both, as does the explosive "."22 Caliber." Inevitably, the superb guitar work will be the focus for most listeners, but it's Cully Symington's lethal drum work, especially his subtle, rumbling drum rolls, that drives the entire set. Add thoughtful, well-crafted lyrics themed around relationships and everyday life, and you've got a set guaranteed to resonate with millions. This is rock as it once was and should be again, old and new intertwined, to create a sound for the ages. ~ Jo-Ann Greene