I never thought Showbread's gleefully ferocious live show could ever be justly represented on a recording. What a welcome surprise it was when I found that No Sir, Nihilism is Not Practical (NS,NINP) not only speaks for this Savannah, Georgia "raw rock" outfit's unbelievable stage presence, it also brings their exceptional flair for complex songwriting into the spotlight. Longtime Showbread fans will be in Hardcore Heaven from the moment they press play. In fact, the only thing that feels left out on NS,NINP is the band's brilliantly self-assured sense of humor (if you ever see them live, don't cheer too long or the singer might tell you to shut up).
Showbread has always been a Refused clone of sorts, and if you've heard The Shape of Punk to Come then you've essentially heard this album too. It's all here--the same shrieking vocals, the same spastic, powerhouse riffs and the same well-placed electronic flourishes. It isn't so much an attempt at mimicry however, as an expression of common fancies. Several musical avenues are also taken that Refused never chose to explore. Halfway through "So Selfish It's Funny" for instance, the screams and jagged guitars begin to dissipate as a very Weezery power ballad emerges in their place. "The Missing Wife" immediately follows providing even starker contrast with some gentle, acoustic Americana. And I'm pretty sure Refused never featured any guest vocals by Reese Roper.
Showbread is more than just a group of promising young musicians with a few tricks up their sleeves. These suckas will mess you up! NS,NINP is the most fun hardcore punk album you'll hear all year.
...Unless a better one comes out in the next couple days.
3.5/4
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Len NashGood ol' Showbread. I love these guys and their music. I moderated a press conference of theirs at Cornerstone Festival in 2004 and their answers were honest, clean, and fun, but off the wall, all over the place, and full of inside jokes poked at each other. I thought some of the "older" people in attendance would kill me and eat me for dinner. Well, I was wrong, Showbread's fun, clean, and zany…Similar sounding releases
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