The Nils
The Nils, whose compositions are now seen as benchmarks that helped define the post-punk sound of the late 1980’s and who created a legacy of power-pop classics, are finally releasing their second proper full length album, ‘Shadows and Ghosts,’ nearly 28 years since their now classic debut record.
Formed in 1978, The Nils’ popularity began in 1982 upon the release of a 5 song demo entitled “Now”. In 1983, they played Montreal’s legendary venue The Spectrum; once with The Ramones and later with X. The band acquired a significant following by extensively touring North America while still managing to release two influential EPs back to back: Sell Out Young(1985) and Paisley (1986). Their critic success and unmistakable sound caught the attention of executives of the now defunct NYC hip hop label Profile records. The band signed a five year contract with Rock Hotel, a punk/rock sub-label of Profile and with the help of English songwriter Chris Spedding as producer and Phil Burnett as engineer, they released their first full length self-titled album. Upon its release, the album charted and was a critical success, reaching as high as #8 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s college charts in 1988. Their ever increasing fan base including legions of musicians in the genre began naming them as a direct influence: The Goo Goo Dolls, Superchunk, Jawbox, Meat Puppets, Down By Law, Bob Mould (Sugar, Husker Du) and many of the power-pop punk bands.
After a series of setbacks, including the death of principle singer/songwriter, Alex Soria, the Nils lay dormant for years, not sure of exactly what to do. However, with encouragement and support of friends and fellow musicians Keith Morris (Black Flag/Circle Jerks/Off), Chris Spedding and John Kastner (Asexuals/Doughboys/All SystemsGo!), the band picked up and recorded ten never before released songs in their hometown of Montreal. ‘Shadows and Ghosts’ was produced by Peter Edwards (Grimskunk) and adorns the unmistakable song writing structure that had distinctly set The Nils apart from other bands.
The intro track "More Alike" sets the tone instantly and the listener is mentally brought back to the 70’s punk sound. The raw, high treble guitar, steady bass, and raunchy drum beats all fused together to create a real fullness of sound. Tracks like "Lonesome Rendezvous," "Waka Waka," and "For the Love of Hank” all highlight this cohesion of sound as you move through the song list. Even the slower track, “For the Loveof Hank,” fits the style perfectly. It is a solid punk rock record filled with authoritative, challenging, raw, powerful sound that brings youback to when punk rock dominated. The band now consists of two original members: Carlos Soria and Jean Lortie, along with Mark Donato and Phil Psarakos, and are actively playing shows again in support of new and old material. Do yourselves a favor and check out one of Canada’s most influential punk bands.
'That it's here at all is a triumph. That it's so spirited is a miracle’
- NOW Magazine
'Montreal’s Great Lost Rock ’n’ Roll Band’
- The Montreal Gazette
‘I Love, Love, Love, Love, Love, Love this Record!’
- Jason Rockman // CHOM 97.7FM
9.5/10 — ‘It will set a fire under the little anarchist living inside you'
- Bucket List
'brisk, sharp-hooked, high energy, altrock earworms'
- Cashbox Canada
‘One of the best Canadian bands ever’
- CBC
Catch The Nils live !
- Montreal on September 17th at Club Lambi (at 11:30 pm)for Pop Montreal .
- London on October 10th at Call The Office.
- Toronto on October 11th at Lee's Palace with Jesse Malin.
To book an interview or for more information please contact: info@melaniekayepr.com
Official - www.thenils.ca
Twitter - www.twitter.com/selloutyoung
https://www.facebook.com/TheNilsBand