polaroids of androids

The notable increase in substance between this and No Age's 2007 singles collection, Weirdo Rippers, is evident right from the get-go. Miner, a short, noise-drenched two minute wonder, bursts to life as the fuzzy melody absorbs everything. The vocals are buried deep, almost indistinguishably, under the thick layer of guitar feedback. It's a great spurt of energy and kicks off what is a mighty impressive album.

The second track, Eraser, highlights the band's increased awareness of the importance of their music having a pre-defined direction. Built around an extended loop intro, it is eventually taken over and mauled by lazily delivered vocals and another fantastic guitar-led intervention. Teen Creeps, a clear front-runner for the finest three minutes of music this year, is an infectious slice of perfectly executed punk rock. The sheer amount of sound that the duo generate is mind blowing, with every song overflowing with layers upon layers of noise suffocating melodic arrangements that attempt to fight to their way to the surface.

There is still the occasional wandering artsy moments that littered Weirdo Rippers, but the band is clearly focused on putting their best foot forward. Their ability to create structure from noise, catchiness from feedback-driven chaos and emotion from dreary half-assed vocals is amazing and ultimately what makes Nouns such an addictive record.

The vocals, delivered by drummer Dean Sprunt in varying degrees of monotone-like drawl, won't appeal to everyone. That said, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed an album this much yet wasn't completely sold on the vocal style. More than anything I think this is a testament to how overpowering the musical arrangements on this album are and just how well the often conflicting styles and ideas melt together.

From start-to-finish this is an outstanding slab of music. Built on the top of a solid foundation of energetic punk-rock noise, No Age have managed to add a wonderful sense of depth and thickness to their sound that I honestly didn't think they were capable of. This is a highly addictive album and one that I can't see myself getting sick of any time soon.