The staff members of Indie Obsessive are fans of the ‘70’s highpoint of Southern Rock, when the genre was ruled by bands named The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Outlaws, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The attachment to the genre is one of the reasons we sit on the shore of the Indie Ocean and look for strong songs to arrive. We’re pleased with discoveries across a number of genres, but more excited on those occasions when the song fits within the Southern Rock genre. Today, we are excited – “Running” by The Nickajack Men was delivered on the crest of a wave.
“Running” is a fusion of Southern-style vocals and Rock instrumentation. And it is a texturing of low-processed, often jangly guitar with distorted Rock guitar/bass. The resulting contrast is fully exploited by the instruments, as they interject isolated strums and bursts of notes. The melody would survive without the strums and bursts, but it’s enriched by their presence. Then, in the final 30 seconds, “Running” unexpectedly transitions to a more complete alignment with Rock, with the percussion being used to drive the transition.
The Nickajack Men are based in Falkirk, Scotland. The members are Lewis White (vocals, guitar), Michael Garner (guitar, vocals), Jamie Burns (bass), Matthew McAlister (drums), and Sean McNally (keyboard). They are preparing for a May 26 launch of their debut album, “Wasting Away,” via NJM Records.
The Facebook page of The Nickajack Men states that the five members are in the range of 19 and 22 years old. Given the level of musical and real life understanding evidenced in “Running,” clearly this is a band to watch.
“Running” by The Nickajack Men
Quoting content from the SubmitHub submission of “Running:”
Falkirk-based four piece The Nickajack Men are preparing to release their debut EP Wasting Away, due for release on 26th May 2017 via NJM Records.
The theme of the EP explores the difficulties and frustrations experienced by aspiring young musicians as they try to break free from the environment they have grown up in, preparing to take their first steps into a larger, daunting world. From the first note of the opening track, forthcoming single Running, the momentum builds slowly with lead singer Lewis White’s country-tinged vocal style taking centre stage. Skilfully supported by a dynamic band who’s instrumentation is expertly delivered, The Nickajack Men’s ability to write emotive, heartfelt music comes to the fore; producing a captivating, anthemic sound in the spirit of contemporary stalwarts such as Band of Horses.
Each song offers something different from the last, without losing the band’s americana and indie-rock roots, as the listener works their way through an eclectic mix of sounds and rich textures. ‘Marilyn’ is instantly catchy; a combination of 90’s style brit pop fused with traditional country flavours, while ‘Erb’ effectively incorporates elements of gospel and blues. Closing track ‘When The Winter Comes’ showcases the full repertoire of a band in their element culminating in a climactic, classic rock outro that would do Bruce Springsteen proud.
Having formed in 2014, the quartet have been building their name on the Scottish live circuit for the past few years. A sold out show at King Tuts was followed by the ‘Best Newcomers’ 2015, ’Best Single’ and ‘Best Alternative/Indie Band’ 2016 at the Alternative Music in Falkirk Awards. They have also received support from the likes of Gigslutz and Amazing Radio.
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