You know the kind of punk rock and/or outsider music that flirts with disaster simply by existing? As you make your way through a recording of such music you begin to wait and anticipate the moment that the whole thing will come crashing down. Surely, this anticipation that builds within is an integral part of the fun and joy that myself and those akin me receive from such slop punk, or whatever. NICE GUYS reside somewhere over on the punk end of this shambling spectrum. Proud bearers of the Allston scuzz rock/ garage punk mantle these guys wailed real bad @ Hassle Fest 5, and every other time I’ve been lucky enough to catch them lay it down.
There’s some grunge in their sound, some garage rock, some proto-punk vibes. It’s all dealt with nonchalant-like. I wrote about an Australian punk band called HOUSEWIVES within the past couple weeks, and while their take, and NICE GUYS’ take on punk rock are not too similar, I do find common ground in the two band’s attitudinal approach to making music. Especially when it comes to rock music (cuz that shit’s in my blood, and I’ve had a lot of practice with it, ok?) I feel as if I have a crippling sensitivity to affectation, and any hint of insincerity. NICE GUYS have no one to impress. They’ve slopped together what they can: a blending of multiple ugly voices, some big ass riffage, and a no aesthetic aesthetic. Is it new? No. Is it world and/or mind bending? No. Is it irreverent, sloppy, and fun as fuck? Yes, that’s what it is. 60 something years on since rock & roll started its mass human brain deterioration effort, and the simplest, cstomping rock & roll etc. music is still being made. And it is being created with glee. By people like you and me. NICE GUYS are a cool band, further crowding a growing stash of real fucking deal garage rock/punk crews in this town (THE MONSIEURS, WHITE PAGES, FREE PIZZA, CREATUROS, FAGETTES, FUNERAL CONE, FAT CREEPS etc.). Their latest release is called BOXFORT, and it’s just 3 short songs deep. “BoxFort” the song is a 44 second long ode to the beloved Boston house/ show space. Dumb punk smashing along pretty perfectly. See you in Allston sometime. I will eventually take you up on that offer.
KNOW THIS: All/most of NICE GUYS will be DJing @ the first HASSLE NIGHT of 2014 on 1/4 w/ sets by CELLULAR CHAOS, THE CHANNELS, and TINSEL TEETH @ Lilypad (10pm/ All ages/ $5-$10/ Beer 4 Sale).