The Nobility: The Secret of Blennerhassett Island
October 18, 2011
One of Nashville’s most underrated bands is back with a brand new album. The Nobility (formerly Jetpack, then Jetpack UK) just released their latest, The Secret of Blennerhassett Island, and it’s a masterpiece. 2007’s The Mezzanine was their first proper album under the new moniker, and it firmly set the tone for their future as a band. That tone was one of more mature, intricate, and clever songs with a wide array of instrumentation, all with an unwavering pop sensibility. They stated in their own description of the album that they had been listening to early Paul McCartney and Kinks records, and it shows. TSBI (I refuse to type that name again!) is clearly influenced by the same era of pop music, but no matter how obvious the influences are, these songs never get old or tired. I’ve always loved a good marriage of band to producer, and this album is no exception. They worked with Brian Carter of Paradox Productions as they did with The Mezzanine, and honestly I don’t think there’s a better producer for this band than him. The orchestral instrumentation fits perfectly where it’s used, and it’s never over-used. Especially impressive are the horn arrangements. TSBI is easily one of the best albums to come out of Nashville’s rock scene this year, so go get it at their bandcamp page and thank me later. AND go see them at the record release party on Nov. 14th Nov. 4th at the Rutledge.
New Nobility tracks/EP
July 21, 2009
I was absolutely delighted to find a press release from The Nobility in my inbox today. They have a new 3-song EP set for release on August 14th. The release show will be that night at the Basement. The EP will be called Gentle Giant and the title track is available for free download at their bandcamp page. From the press release:
The first chance to purchase the single will be through digicards for sale only at this Aug. 14 show. Digital downloads will be available after Aug. 14 through retailers Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, Napster, and eMusic. A free high quality download of the title track is now up on The Nobility’s Bandcamp page in a variety of music nerd-approved formats, including FLAC, AAC, Lossless, and MP3. All three songs are streaming in their entirety at http://thenobility.bandcamp.com.
I absolutely love these songs. I’ve literally had the songs on repeat from the bandcamp page ever since I got the email and I can decisively say that it’s some of their best work yet. They are one of those few bands who just seem to get better and better as times goes on. Sean Williams’ songwriting is catchy as ever, yet it’s gotten more thoughtful and intricate. Of course Brian Carter’s production is on the dot, as always. The title track is easily the bounciest, most accessible of the three, but Mr. Danby/Mr. Blackman is a real gem, too. When the multi-layered harmonies came in at the end on my first listen, it was so beautiful I almost jumped out of my chair. Please do yourself and the band a favor by purchasing the EP when it’s officially released on Aug. 14th. If all goes as planned, the band plans to put out a full-length album on vinyl next year.
steve cross loves music and science 