The Nein—Transitionalisms

Much as their nonsensical title suggests, the Transitionalisms EP is a transition for The Nein. Currently in-between albums (Wrath of Circuits in 2005 and the unnamed work-in-progress due early 2007), Transitionalisms find the North Carolina quartet branching out in musical experimentation, while still paying dues to the roads they have walked. A Zombies cover kicks off the EP, the delightfully horrid "Butcher’s Tale (Western Front 1914)," with its unsettling instrumentals and Finn Cohen’s contribution of scathing vocals. A quick-but-dirty instrumental follows, carrying the EP’s name and is, like the release itself, a transition into "Hospital Television." Snatched out from the Wrath of Circuits release, "Hospital Television" moves at a slower pace, while not losing any of the deep bass meat that the other songs carried, and showing off The Nein’s lyrics clearer than before seen. A newly mixed version of "The Vibe," also from The Nein’s previous album is to be found here as well, with different vocals and less fuzz. Transitionalisms appropriately ends by blending The Nein’s hard-hitting playing style with more indie influences to create "Convalescent Homes," another short-but-sweet track that gives a tantalizing peak at just what The Nein are up to for their new album. While this may not be the release to attract a screaming mass of new fans, it is one that will attract the screaming mass of old ones.. New fans should look to Wrath of Circuits before lending their ear to Transitionalisms, but if you’ve fallen for The Nein’s previous work, these covers, remixes, and tastes of the future should not be missed.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)