RSS Feed


NITROVOLT
Dirty Wings

Mausoleum (2015)
Rating: 5.5/10

Described as “German speed rock”, NitroVolt formed in 2004 as Hi-Octane Rockers, and although this was not a moniker the original trio stuck with it pretty much sums up their ballsy sound to this day.

The men responsible for this sleazy, denim-clad, drunken noise are founding members Tom “Voltage” Krӓmer (vocals / guitar) and Luciano “Luis” Vanini (bass), along with Tim Vader (guitar) and Ulas (drums).

Dirty Wings is NitroVolt’s third album, and what we get is a rather noisy yet basic blend of no frills punk and rock often played at speed and clutching a beer or two in one hand. However, after a while, in spite of the genuine enthusiasm and sweaty energy, it becomes a bit of a grate on the ears. Firstly we have the scratchy vocal yelps of Krӓmer who is a keen frontman more than able to shred paint with his ferocious snorts and other intoxicated intakes, but it’s not really the sort of style that floats my boat. Neither does the animosity of the guitar, drum and bass, which when melted together forms a furious anarchic cauldron which does little apart from make for a good party.

From the off with ‘NV’ it’s a case of straight up rock ’n’ roll mayhem that does exactly what it says on the tin; short, sweet, fast and furious, encapsulated by the gang chant yelps and oily rhythm section. ‘Takes Too Long’ slows the pace and injects a bit of melody, but is no more lethal than Aussie retro rockers Jet at their most volatile mixed with flashes of Motörhead and hardcore punk. Sadly, it’s not exactly the most entertaining expression of aggression I’ve heard, because it is a sound that I’ve heard so many times before.

I guess I’m just too old in the tooth to be fooled by the novelty of modern punk rock outbursts, and while I’m mildly entertained by the burning title track, and partly energised by ‘Stuck’, the speeded-up AC/DC fury of ‘Target’, and brash ’n’ roll fury of ‘Lick It Up’ with its infectious chorus, there’s just not enough quality to allow any of the songs to stick out.

I can appreciate what NitroVolt are trying to do and it really is an album that boasts a gnarly undertone, but I’m afraid it’s just not my thing. Although Dirty Wings is good fun and I’m sure will appeal to those with punkier heart, there’s just too much spit in the ear for my liking.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share