Review / 200 Words Or Less
Nazca Lines
Untitled EP

Stressed Sumo (2010) Scott Wilkinson

Nazca Lines – Untitled EP cover artwork
Nazca Lines – Untitled EP — Stressed Sumo, 2010

Seattle based Nazca Lines have been garnering rave reviews since their formation in 2005 have a new three song EP which highlights the new and hopefully final incarnation of the band. Original members Cory Alfano and Brett Wedeking are here along with newcomers Andy King on drums and Ryan Minch on Bass. The first song on the EP “This Crippled Devil” is a rocker right out of the gate, with a great guitar hook and a vocal performance that sounds like The Hold Steady meets Suicidal Tendencies with bass and drums pounding, there is no room to breathe during this one it flat out rocks from start to finish. While “This Little Island” doesn't reach the same heights the sound hearkens back to early Rage Against The Machine a good tune, but it suffers as it seems a weaker version of "This Little Island". The final song “From the Bottom of A Crevasse” is straightforward East Coast punk with vocal anger and attitude, which scores points in my overall rating which increased after listening to it several times. If the band could find a way to replicate the sound and fury of the first cut and not make it seem repetitious this album would be a 10.

The EP was recorded in Seattle with producer Matt Bayles (Minus The Bear) who recently finished working with Mastodon, ISIS and Polar Bear Club. The band’s major influences are At the Drive-In, Fugazi, and Refused. The band is planning on a spring 2011 release for their 2nd album through Stressed Sumo Records.

Nazca Lines – Untitled EP cover artwork
Nazca Lines – Untitled EP — Stressed Sumo, 2010

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