Well, there you have it...I mean, when you start a review talking about the diversity of a certain record label (in casu : Victory Records), you'll find they provide you with the handy proof to make your point! Because as mentioned in my review of the most recent Close Your Eyes album, this label deals with out-of-the-ordinary type of bands, and the same sure counts for this “MetalCore” act from sunny South Florida (home base Hialeah).
The band was founded in January 2009, when singer Dirty Dick posted an ad for a band that he had in mind. Bear reacted quite immediately, and her aggressive play was so impressive that Dick knew he'd found the perfect partner-in-crime. The rest of the band (with a total of 3 guitarists at one time?) was recruited, and almost immediately traveled all the way up to Ohio, to record their first two songs. After returning home, the band received no less than 3000 plays within the first few hours that the songs were posted. And mind you, that was before the band even did its debut show (which happened in April 2009). Obviously, the guys (and let's not forget the lone lady) continued to play gigs, adding songs to their set as they wrote 'em, and eventually playing support slots to the likes of Dr. Acula and Autumn Black. Over time the line-up evolved to currently consist of Dick, Bear, guitarists Nig and Yoshii, and drummer Paiste (some of which may have been there from the beginning, but possibly goin' under different surnames?). Eventually the band got noted by Victory or...maybe they sent 'em a demo?...and a deal was made for the release of Neurotic November's debut album.
Now, you'll notice that the general categorization said “MetalCore”, but the band's music is of course somewhat removed from the “regular” type of what one would expect. For starters, most of the music is played at a down-tuned modus, making for a heightened “Groove” feel. Down-right put, there's a lot of Death Metal elements in the music, as well in the added growled-guttural vocals, which are backed mostly by a more Blackened screech-shouting singer...when the guys aren't occasionally doin' some speed-Rap (as in the songs “Nonchalant”, “Parents”, and “Wasabi Anguish”. There's diversity in the songs too, you know, some moving more towards a Progressive Hardcore with frequent break-downs and stop-start tactics, others with lavish lead guitar parts. Put everything together, and you'll find it's hard to pin-point NN's music...and in my book that's always a positive thing, because it leaves place for the unexpected, like that great intro of the song “Precious Life”...itself being titled “Alonzo”, it is nothing more than a mere piano-diddy with accompanying atmospheric/ orchestrated keyboard, but the beauty and sensitivity of it is simply surprising, when set aside the rest of the album's material!
Oh well, for your acquaintance with some of this album's contents, you can check the (two!) video(s) of “Nonchalant” at the band's page on (www.) victoryrecords.com, and listen to the track “Check Mate” at the “Bandpage” section of (www.) facebook.com/NeuroticNovember...where you'll also find some older material posted (two additional songs are to be found in the “Welcome” section), and a link to the band's MySpace page (which I didn't check). At the moment, the band is on the last leg of a US tour, which will see 'em play shows in the southern States of America until the end of January. No idea what the band's up to next! Great album, and I'm sure it might've rated even better with me, had I had more time to spend with it. As things are, however, I've already spent too much time on preceding rewiews, and I have still a pack of albums awaiting my appraisal. Huh...who's that ringing the bell? Oh no...it's the editor-in-chief with a new bunch of albums to be reviewed!