NICKELBACK – Feed The Machine (2017)
Seems Canadian modern rock superstars NICKELBACK finally decided to make some good, punchy rock music, as heard in the band’s upcoming ninth studio “Feed The Machine“. Yeah, still mainstream and commercial, but definitely more consistent and heavier than their previous records.
Since the runaway commercial success of All The Right Reasons in 2005, Nickelback has been heavily (and fairly) criticized for the repetitive and formulaic nature of their music and lyrics.
While there was a slightly change in the sonic approach in the band’s last album – featured here on this blog and one that I actually liked – it was certainly unexpected to hear the advanced single from this new album (title track ‘Feed The Machine’) delivering focused lyrics on the dangers of an all-powerful government with a surprisingly catchy guitar hook to match.
Co-produced with Chris Baseford (Slash) you can tell the man has provided to the band a real edge.
Just check second track ‘Coin For The Ferryman’, a groovy rocker with more nods to rock music from 25 years ago than modern rock. I like it.
Of course the label need to sell the album, and there comes the radio-ready ‘Song on Fire’, but soon Nickelback returns to a heavy, again groovy heavy rocker on ‘Must Be Nice’.
An this ‘heavy’ approach continues on almost the entire album: ‘For The River’ is modern but with thick riffs, ‘The Betrayal’ is dark and bold, and even the commercial ‘Home’ has a respectable punch.
Alright, look. I know it’s fun to hate on Nickelback. It’s easy to do, and I’ve never been a fan of the band. Heck, I’m still not a fan, but Nickelback’s new album “Feed The Machine” is actually pretty darn good.
There’s the best, more consistent songs the band ever wrote, and the overall sound is quite heavy and organic. But yes, it’s still Nickelback.
Quite Recommended
01. Feed The Machine
02. Coin For The Ferryman
03. Song On Fire
04. Must Be Nice
05. After The Rain
06. For The River
07. Home
08. The Betrayal (Act III)
09. Silent Majority
10. Every Time We’re Together
11. The Betrayal (Act I)
Chad Kroeger – lead vocals, guitar
Ryan Peake – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Mike Kroeger – bass guitar
Daniel Adair – drums, backing vocals
Pre Order:
www.amazon.com/Feed-Machine-Nickelback/dp/B01N3A5XWQ
.
