Album/EP

The Nearly Deads - We Are The Nearly Deads (Album Review)

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Jul 3, 2023

7 min read

The Nearly Deads – We Are The Nearly Deads
Released: July 7^th, 2023

Lineup:

"TJ" Theresa Jeane - Vocals/Piano
Steven Tobi - Lead Guitar/Bass
Javier Garza Jr - Rhythm Guitar
Josh Perrone - Drums

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Formed in 2010, Nashville four-piece The Nearly Deads have been making waves for years, both in the studio and on tour with iconic artists such as Halestorm, In This Moment and The All-American Rejects. Sophomore release We Are The Nearly Deads marks a surge in energy for the rockers, giving listeners a strong sense of where the band are currently at.

The recording process was a true collaboration effort, with each member showing their song ideas to the others, before favourites were picked and tweaked as a group. Wide-ranging influences were channelled for the album (produced by Brian Craddock), with vocalist Theresa Jeane citing The Offspring and Foo Fighters as two of her personal inspirations.

Let's dive into We Are The Nearly Deads.

The band kicks right into gear with album opener, 'Suffocating'. Steven Tobi's chugging guitar drives the track, underscored by delicious bass licks. It's also clear from the get go that Jeane ties it all together with a voice that's simultaneously powerful and delicate. Then 'Maybe' shifts things to a slower, more sombre place both emotionally and sonically, with Jeane lamenting about the rollercoaster ride of a toxic relationship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oArcCtKLNLQ

We're then taken into the world of 'Supernatural', a more measured tune showcasing the tender side of Jeane's vocals and brought to life with ethereal piano. It's a stark contrast to the distorted guitar intro of next song 'Wonderland'. The track is a testament to how well the instruments compliment each other, ending with reverbing guitar combined with slightly eerie, trailing piano notes.

Onto 'Believer'. The more delicate guitars here allow for Jeane's voice to take centre stage early on, accented by angelic harmonies. It's a song that starts out softly, steadily building an atmospheric wall of sound as it goes on. A definite standout on the record.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m8kReXym8o

A wailing guitar outro leads into an instant footstomp-er in 'Home'. A particularly memorable lyric delivered by Jeane is 'I'm here for a good time baby, not a long time', and the entire tune has an endearingly playful vibe to it. Overall, it's a song that's bound to go over well live.

Now what makes 'Redemption' a personal favourite? The tune opens with an incredibly catchy guitar hook, underscored by crunchy bass. Jeane also delivers some seriously punchy vocals, sending chills down your spine as she snarls, 'And they don't eat, they devour, until they strip you of what's left of your power'.

Next up, 'Relentless' follows at a marching pace, with the echoing vocals in its catchy chorus reminiscent of a war cry. Ending abruptly with the sound of crashing cymbals, the song sets up the next track well, the acoustic guitar-driven 'Wild'. Jeane delivers some beautiful, resonant vocals here, encouraging you to embrace life and create those lasting memories. One can imagine Jeane's arms being fully outstretched, inviting you in as both a trusted confidante and dear friend.

'Faith' closes out the record at a faster pace. While it's a less memorable song, it's an adequate end to an overall dynamic release. We Are The Nearly Deads certainly packs a punch, reflecting a band that's got heart, plenty of groove and energy in spades.