We have another fresh release from Solid Brass Records on our pages today. This time, we’re diving deep into No Love Like That: The Standford Sessions 1997, the long-forgotten recordings by Santa Cruz, CA-based group called Nuzzle. It’s an outstanding collection featuring eight exceptional tracks, initially recorded for Die Young Stay Pretty, a Sub Pop subsidiary but were never made available until now. The energy captured on No Love Like That reflects Nuzzle’s live performances that were already receiving notice in the west coast indie scene when they recorded these tracks. The band had already put out several 7″ records and their debut full-length album Follow, For Now LP on Youth Strike Chord, and also completed a successful US tour with Fisticuffs Bluff. This experience and momentum are evident in the driving force behind each song on this record.
This album captures the essence of what made Nuzzle so special and unique. The raw energy, skillful musicianship, and creativity on display throughout the record are a testimony to the band’s talent. It exemplifies how some of the most mesmerizing music is sometimes produced in unexpected ways and under unlikely circumstances. One outstanding feature of No Love Like That is Nuzzle’s ability to incorporate different musical ideas and concepts into their music. Perhaps the fundamentals of the nineties emo come to mind first, but Nuzzle included some of the finest properties borrowed from other complementary music genres as well. Their ability to blend all the vital qualities of post-hardcore, noise rock, and indie rock into a colossal slab of harmonious noise that simultaneously sounded fresh and unique goes beyond comprehension so many times throughout this record. Also, it’s nearly mindblowing how they sometimes switch from overly polished orchestrations to more raw, abrasive, heavier segments where the entire band bursts with tremendous power.
Nuzzle possessed all the qualities of other contemporaries, but somehow they sounded way better thanks to their limitless creativity and musicianship. They bent all the rules of the beforementioned music genres and shaped them according to personal taste without thinking about how the scene would react. These experimentations and explorations into the unknown sonic territories are the reason why No Love Like That: The Standford Sessions 1997 sounds incredible even more than two and a half decades later. The way these talented musicians wrote and composed these eight songs will leave you speechless and your ears craving more. From arpeggiated and regular chord progressions, themes, leads, melodies, harmonies, and other virtuosities to the equally complex, warm-sounding basslines and rhythmic sequences based upon moderate and half-times beats, breaks, fills, accentuations, and other percussive acrobatics, Nuzzle proved they’re a hidden emo core gem that needs a worldwide recognition. Also, let’s not forget the outstanding vocal arrangements and all the perfectly performed harmonies, sung with so much sense, balance, sincerity, confidence, and emotion. Every band member plays a significant role in shaping a luxurious ambiance that will satisfy even the pickiest fans of the genre.
Once again, Solid Brass Records did an outstanding job by resurfacing and publishing these recordings on beautiful clear vinyl. This fine piece of plastic comes with a jaw-dropping twelve-page booklet that includes all the vital information about Nuzzle and liner notes written by the band members. Therefore, don’t miss this one if you’re profoundly info flawlessly executed emo, indie, or post-hardcore music. No Love Like That: The Standford Sessions 1997 is worth every penny and will become a favorite release in your record collection. Head to Solid Brass Records for more information about ordering.
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