Single Review: Blue Nurse

Undercut’s latest release Blue Nurse is a grungy little number, that has an early 2000’s vibe; encapsulating the energy of albums of the era, such as Hoobastank’s 2004 The Reason, Taking Back Sunday’s 2006 Louder Now, while maintaining that kiwi sound (that track brings back fond memories of when Goodshirt’s Green was released).

A simple track, that maintains a good pace during the verses and is reminiscent of Sommerset’s Streets Don’t Close, with hints of the punchy power chords of Villainy’s Ammunition throughout the outro. While the vocal style and effects give the track a “British rock” feel, it remains without a doubt, a kiwi rock song with a brilliant natural rhythm that just makes you want to jump up and down.

Those opening chords are the real hook, as it reminds me so much of the starting riff from It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Fucking Deathwish, off My Chemical Romance’s Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge album, a staple of my music collection as a teenager. Not just the similarity in chords, but the tight, clean nature in which it is played. It is clear that Undercut have many years of experience under their belt and have a masterful control of song composition and layering, ebbing and flowing naturally.

With so much variety in guitar effects, the song survives through many plays as there are so many little changes between riffs and layers that are revealed with each listen. With so many kiwi rock acts in New Zealand preferring to aim toward the heavier end of the spectrum, it’s refreshing to see Undercut pushing the lighter more indie range.

_{Review written by Alex Moulton}