Victorian band Nick Carver and the Mean Street Butchers are back with a new song, 'Smoke Alone', that highlights the group's live energy and ability to merge psych blues with gritty rock & roll.
Country-tinged, grunge-washed alternative rock, 'Smoke Alarm' is a bruising track that continually builds as the band jam, fusing a classic '90s alternative sound with a burning rhythm that finally explodes in a fusion of dissonant chords and vibrant guitar licks.A creeping, raw, almost harsh guitar line opens proceedings, the shrill of the melody offering an ugly beauty that latches on to Nick's almost pleading, but forthright vocals (with hints of Chris Cornell) that demand your attention.
A lead guitar that bristles with a bluesy attitude while retaining a swaggering coolness joins a rhythm section that remains tight throughout, holding a steady pace, retreating to the sonic shadows at the right junctures.
"For me, it [lyrically] really deals with the person I was when I was drinking A LOT and partaking in many other questionable activities that have led me to even more questionable people throughout my life," shares Nick. "I've definitely used drugs and alcohol to mask feelings and avoid reality."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (22 September), scenestr is amped to premiere the music video for 'Smoke Alone' today. Enjoy.
As the song was recorded live at the Aviary Studios in Melbourne, during that same session the cameras were rolling to capture the onstage presence of Nick Carver And The Mean Street Butchers.
"We wanted to create a really raw and honest representation of the current sound of the band," Nick says.
"Leading up to the recording session, we listened to a lot of live Nirvana, and another favourite band of mine, Dead Meadow, who make some really straightforward but amazing music.
"The song is an old one that had been kicking around between [guitarist] Justin Salmon and myself. We were 'letting it brew' as we say. And then one day, it finished itself."
The recording of 'Smoke Alone' also showcased the abilities of Justin, according to Nick. "Justin, who played lead guitar on the track, has been an honorary member of the band for sometime and has co-written a few of our best songs, as well as this song.
"He didn't rehearse with us at all. Just rocked up on the day and laid down his part live with the rest of us. Nailed it."
Nick Carver And The Mean Street Butchers play Lulie Tavern (Melbourne) 6 October.
