Album Review: Nervus - 'The Evil One'
Shaking things up and twisting every rule they used to follow, Nervus have birthed the sinister sibling within their discography family. It’s time to meet The Evil One.
The result of working within the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic and reflecting upon previous work in such detail, The Evil One takes the Watford outfit in a new direction. One that feels so new but so natural at the same time.
Feeling inspired by the cycle of life and its never-ending nature, ‘Get Equal Get Even’ speaks about every person’s contributions to the world and how it should be the focus, the purpose to keep fighting. The band are no strangers to speaking out about life, society and identity - and they do it in the best unruly way they only know how.
‘Drop Out’ is a loud and catchy anthem for those who feel or felt tortured by the educational system and especially within university institutions. University students have faced some of the hardest challenges since the global pandemic began, and it’s hardly been discussed from the side of the students. Those who are paying thousands to sit in a room and watch a Zoom call; or who got locked in their costly accommodations with only threats of expulsion and little support. This is their song of their pain, their struggles, their feelings and thoughts towards the system.
Students are overlooked in society, and Nervus is shining a long deserved spotlight on them.
‘I Wish I Was Dead (Bill Hicks)’ touches on the subject of mortality’s role in fame and recognition. Referring to a comment made about comedian Bill Hicks, it discusses how one can be as big and as famous as possible while living and breathing; but will never make it into any way of a Hall of Fame until they meet their demise in any which way.
It’s a sadly true commentary on how notable individuals are recognised for their talent once they cease to be, and the greater picture of not realising someone’s full potential until they’re no longer here to pursue it. It’s a harsh reality, and one that needs to change to help maintain people’s lives and mental wellbeing as well as keep art and talent flowing in society.
Bringing all tracks together in this record, it shows Nervus have only grown and adapted as a group and their strength will always remain. Not compromising their beliefs or their attitudes to keep their music safe and easily consumable, it shows that more bands - big and small - need to keep to the same principles and give the world what it needs. Fully realised, eye-opening, loosened-up tunes to bring everything to the masses’ attention and not stopping until change is made.
Not everyone can be an angel of society. Sometimes you need The Evil One.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
