Bands like nry are just down to play music. A red hot desire to rock out just lies within, growing and blossoming. What they release is an impressive collection of 17 songs, something that encapsulates a lot of drama with a veracity that few bands possess. This is their latest collection, On/Off. Prepare yourself for a sonic rollercoaster, absolutely free of cost. 

The very melodic System Down opens the track. I heard recently an interview with Dave Grohl and Krist Novoeslic from Nirvana talking about that joy of playing. Recording sessions just seem like jamming out when you’re comfortable with one another. A group like nry is just creating memories while being meticulous about the detail in the songs. More “melodic ballads” come through with singles like Someday. It will remind you of the vocals of the alt-rock movement, and how the radio used to be crammed with great songs like this.

All the rock you missed

This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Outta Control isn’t similar to any of the other songs you might have heard. It creates this great post-punk energy, unique for what the band has let us listen to till now. If you have the friend circle, I recommend a listening party for a band like this. Their versatile compositions and panache with which they approach the tracks is truly inspiring. Songs like NT are idiosyncratic ideas that might sounds like a hodgepodge at first, but that’s how they contain the excitement. If nry is on to something, it is best to judge them after a listen. It is an explorative journey of tones, sounds and compositions that they go through. A gift to listen to a band that isn’t scared to try anything out-and make it sound good in the process.

So what makes you think you’re entitled to listen to this double album? If you’re reading this, you better ensure this band gets the respect they deserve. Some bands would be paid millions for songs like The Crawl, if they could compose something so incredibly catchy. There are moments when more complex melodies are explored in Future Primitive and maybe even Y. There is a palette of sounds they find interesting, and nry go all out in making something gorgeous and inspiring from it. 

nry are alt-rock torchbearers

To be honest, I’m embarrassed I hadn’t hard of their first album Love of a Vampire before. Which is what I rushed to after this rewarding experience. In the indie bands I’ve reviewed (and I’ve listened to thousands of them by now), a band like this is a treat for so many reasons. Some might say they love this band on/off. I’m afraid my switch is broken at on. 

This album would be a great soundtrack on Lost Highway (1997). This band is definitely on a roll, and this album is their best work all in one place. You can listen to them and follow them on Spotify, and be sure to share their incredible talent. And now, to rock out!