Nightmare Air - High In The Lasers (Japan Edition) (2013)

Nightmare Air; a Los Angeles based trio that feature Dave Dupuis (ex- Film School), Swaan Miller, and Jimmy Lucido who collectively have been described as “L.A’s loudest band” – The sleeve does not feature any images of the band so I was frankly dreading hitting the play button, half expecting some spandex clad cock-rock waffle to spew forth…

Prior to receiving this their debut album I had not come across them, though they boast of touring with the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Swervedriver and TV On The Radio; those connections suggesting that a 3rd rate Steel Panther was not so likely, and considering the album was mixed by Dave Schiffman (Nine Inch Nails, The Mars Volta and BRMC) they must be doing something right…and thankfully without spandex.

Musically, they sit within the broad shoegaze genre with a nod towards bass heavy rock n’ roll; their sound isn’t particularly inventive, it is however very effective, layers of swirling loops and fuzzy effects nestle snuggly next to the semi call and response vocal of Dupuis and Miller.