An exciting, impassioned, fuzzed-up, and smartly sticky album that plants a flag for some great forgotten sounds and practically screams promise for better glory days to come.
On II, the band is able to find that middle ground between the acceptance of pop music’s limitations and its emotionally resonant core.
II is a record created with the belief that a trebly guitar riff, a no-bullshit drum beat, and a heart-melting chorus can still rip out the hearts of hopeless romantics young and old.
Judging strictly from II, Nude Beach are within arm’s reach of that unique spirit, and prove to have enough chutzpah to carve out a timeless record.
The guitars are revved up, the melodies jaunty and sing-a-long, and the tunes catchy enough to stick in your head for days.
It’s like rock and roll comfort food. It’s easy to listen to and appropriately fun and catchy. Everything here is good, but nothing is great.
#25 | / | Stereogum |