Nikki Nack

tUnE-yArDs—Nikki Nack

Review by Luis A. Apolaya

Take the African-influenced rhythms of Vampire Weekend, make them three times better, and add a vocalist with the energy of Journey’s Steve Perry, and there you have the most superficial picture of what this album sounds like. The percussion is so well manipulated, the melodies so catchy, the bass so jumpy, the vocalist so assertive and deft in her delivery—and all so poppy and accessible! Recommended: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12. RIYL Vampire Weekend, Ava Luna, St. Vincent. FCC on track 11.

***1. (3:29) Sudden electronic harpsichord intro, synthetic drum beat under vocalist’s meanderings, cries of “Find a new way!” sprinkled about, addicting rhythm shifts and vocal effects.
***2. (3:09) Such infectious percussion. Much vocal energy. Wow.
***3. (4:35) Starts with crescendo of hazy synths, chanting and stomping and ride cymbals, “SEE ME OVER THE MOUNTAAAIN!!!”, it’s hard to overstate how vocally gifted Merrill Garbus is, recommended to end 10 seconds early.
***4. (3:28) Mid-tempo, chorus has 80’s R&B feel, social commentary, verses follow gospel call-and-response pattern, beautifully overwhelming vocal work.
*5. (4:28) Mid-slow, unusual tempo, strange vocal effects, mesmerizing background vocals.
**6. (3:39) 90’s Eurodance feel mixed with the band’s characteristic rhythms, interesting dialogue between vocalist and Life, ends 7 seconds early.
**7. (3:18) Driving and propulsive, lots of triangle and hand drums and electric drums, more social commentary.
*8. (1:29) Interlude skit with dark humor and smile-inducing vocal effects and fast-paced electric harpsichord playing riff of first track.
*9. (3:34) First second contains end of last track, mid-tempo, synths and electric drumming take you in their drift, dat bass drum.
*10. (3:55) Mid-tempo, percussion is a bit more tame and follows the 4/4 standard.
*11. (4:36) FCC non-obscene “fucking”, social commentary, unabashedly conspicuous electric drumming, last 5 seconds contain fiddling.
***12. (2:05) Mid-tempo round that feels like a spiritual, beautiful harmonizing, minimalist percussion, violin appears midway, ends 10 seconds early.
**13. (3:10) Mid-tempo, funky, cowbell, electric percussion.