By Monk
There is a well-posited psychological debate that goes by the term “nature versus nurture”, which discusses the relative importance of an individual’s innate qualities (nature) versus personal experiences (nurture) in determining or causing individual differences in physical and behavioural traits, and examines the complex interplay between genes and environment in shaping behaviour and development. It is a debate which has come to prominence in recent years, mainly through the myriad discussions around sexual identity (and, as the grandfather of a non-binary grandchild, this is not a realm I intend to enter in this forum), but one which is touched upon in the very title, and subsequent lyrical content of this second EP from London-based emo-punks Neversaid.
Veering between the demand, or perhaps even the need, for acceptance of both individual decisions and identities, and the defiant “fuck you if you can’t do it” attitude that has characterized and energized the pop punk genre, especially in more recent times, Logan Samuel’s vocals are typically acerbic and biting, their message delivered with anger spit, venom and verve as well as 100 per cent commitment.
This is most ably exemplified on the anarchic ‘Bitchfit’, a bruising statement of self-belief and self-determination which raises a huge middle-finger yet also retains the sort of punchy, anthemic energy that makes pop punk such a hugely successful and identificable genre. Another highlight is closer ‘No Father’, which takes its lyrical theme of rejection and turns into a magnificent slice of earworm emocore that lingers long in the memory after the final chord has died in the speakers.
Drawing as much on the likes of Blink 182 and Green Day (as evinced on the likes of lead single ‘Fall Short’ and the potential dancefloor filler of ‘Ghost’) as much as they do the likes of more hardcore proponents such as Knocked Loose – the aforementioned ‘Bitchfit’ – Neversaid provide a powerful and expressive voice coupled with a keen ear for a decent tune (or four in this case).
- ‘Bond Over Blood‘ is out now.
- Neversaid play two EP release shows at The Eye in Camden this Friday (5 April) and Saturday (6 April). The latter show is sold out.
- All content © Über Rock. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Über Rock.