Ever feel like the McCallister family? In a rush to get everything together, often leaving one thing behind? That’s me on an everyday basis as I try to keep all these written pieces in line. There’s always one I miss and by the time I remember, I’m freaking out. I made it my mission to not let NGHBRS’ Twenty One Rooms be the Kevin McCallister of my Monday morning. Last week I put this record on and wasn’t that crazy about it, but now the music’s setting in and I can’t help but find myself getting a little hot and bothered by some of their sound that’d land them on KROQ in LA alongside The Gaslight Anthem.
While my mind is winding down from the mental run, “1990” kind of makes me upset because it’s nothing like my beloved decade, but I’ll forgive it because it’s got as much sex appeal as Olivia Wilde in anything she does. “1990” instantly sends my thoughts to a smoke filled club that’s filled with bad intentions. You can’t help but feel a little naughty listening to it. That one, along with “Beneath The Raging Sun” and “Twenty One Rooms” all have this sensual vibe to them. Hormones aside, songs like “We Were Wolves” and “Dead Man’s Reprise” are likely to lead this record to a lot of “best of lists” this year in the rock sphere. Each song’s on point and 2013 seems like NGHBRS year because of it. Personally, as a friend, I’d suggest “Dead Man’s Bluse.” It’s the only song that struck me as different from the pack and I can’t help it; that blues sound is in my genes. Thanks dad.
So NGHBRS’ Twenty One Rooms has stimulating rock that’s done in a manner that’s both impressive and thought-provoking (rated R for some most). I’m glad this record didn’t wind up alone in New York like Kevin, but in my line of sight because I can’t remember the last time an album was able to make my lady parts all giddy. If you’re into bands like The Black Keys and Cold War Kids, don’t do anything else today before you check out NGHBRS. Twenty One Rooms is out July 16th.
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