Silver Haze
Don Giovanni, 2017
9/10
The Brooklyn queer punk outfit Aye Nako, who are spearheaded by Mars Dixon and Jade Payne, mix art, politics and music on this highly rhythmic and charmingly melodic outing, where their creative prowess equals a career highlight.
The sophomore album starts with “We’re Different Now”, where some playful atmosphere and soundbites float around in a brief opener, and then “Sissy” lays down some dense, fuzzed out rock, as gritty melody flows amid the punk and garage rock landscape.
Further along, “Muck” brings strong vocals to a busy display of tuneful yet noisy sounds where calm moments enter between the reverb, while “The Gift Of Hell” is a pretty moment wrapped around a thick execution of guitars that nearly get sludgy. “Arrow Island”, the album highlight, then gets scrappy with playful bass work from Joe McCann, as some power-pop ideas unfold.
Deeper still, the swift “Nothing Nice” is both firm yet harmonic with incredible dynamics between the band as drummer Sheena McGrath impresses, and “Maybe She’s Bored With It” exits the listen with an angular approach anchored by a dreamy quality that finishes on a very high note.
It might be a disservice to even classify Aye Nako , as their craft also embraces ‘90s alt-rock, pop-punk and post-punk, among other sounds, and their strong, topical wordplay adds even more appeal to this fine record.
Travels well with: Dog Party- Vol. 4; Mikey Erg- Tentative Decisions