Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Some bands promise much but deliver little, music history littered with hyped-up artists whose glossy veneer soon wore off when put to the test.
These days, the world is flooded by social media stars and it seems everyone with a phone can suddenly be thrust into the spotlight and now bands are vying for that precious three seconds of doomscrolling. Based on the south coast, fresh quartet NÆMA are breaking this mould and showing there’s a lot more here than just quirky videos, having actually proven themselves as an ever-popular live draw who can actually play. Much anticipated, their debut release ‘Perception’ is an extended EP that highlights seven tracks that mix their singles with some stingingly fresh material.
Comprising singer Tia Lazzeri-Madden, guitarist Tom Riley, bass player Ethan Wilkinson and drummer Joey Curd, the outfit have quickly built up a following with their addictive blend of snarling guitar work and punchy rhythms, all topped by sugar and spice vocals. The juxtaposition is intoxicating and forging their own, unique path, the numbers have a resonance that make them prime material for cross genre success.
Opener ‘One Shot’ is a statement of sonic intent, Riley’s insistent riff like being punched in the face before things settle into the sugar rush verse and chorus as Lazzeri-Madden’s vocals show steel beneath the velvet tones. Things continue with the crunch of ‘New Norm’ before the multi-layered balance of hooks and brutality of ‘Void’ really puts the foot to the floor. What really has hit home by this point is the quality of songwriting and far from being the carefully sanitised and curated product that we’re usually being fed, there’s a real naturalness here that promises much more to come.
One of the highlights of the EP comes at mid-point in the form of ‘Stay Away’, its display of male and female vocals along with its built-to-bounce chorus all adding up to something that wipes the floor with some other, bigger bands and could easily become a festival favourite as seas of thousands lose themselves to the euphoria. Throw in a dash of heavy funk on ‘Calling Out’, the anthemic ‘Blend In’ and the closing killer blow of ‘Chains’ that will have you instantly reaching for the play button again and ‘Perception’ more than fulfils the promised thrills. These might be their first steps, but NÆMA have all they need to truly go the distance. Phenomenal.
Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WEARENAEMA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_naema
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@we_are_naema
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/we_are_naema
