nullsign – Sensory
We love when bands let their music do the talking for them – such is the case for Toledo-based shoegaze duo nullsign. Their latest EP is called Sensory – this loosely conceptual offering is a masterclass in sludgy guitar work, far-off vocal haze, and chest-thumping drum work. Every song here is based around the experience of losing one of your senses – it’s not too far of a stretch to imagine this, as their gauzy brand of guitar-forward musicianship already feels like an assault on your perception of the world. Fans of sunn O))), Ride, and Deftones will love the aggressive guitar work and should find lots of tasty chugging here to sink their fangs into.
nullsign start the album with the powerful, sun-scorched pummel of “Sublight.” A swirling, panned maelstrom starts the song before diving head-first into a whirlpool of guitar noise. Twangy leads scream through an onslaught of fuzzy guitar chords, making way for barely-discernable lyrics to moan their way past the rest of the noise. It’s tough for me personally to parse out exactly what nullsign is saying, but contextually “Sublight” seems like it’s probably about losing your sight… If so, it’s the equivalent of going blind while screaming down a desert highway at 100+ mph… Especially when the duo go into double time for the final chorus. Song two, “Unsound,” has a similar vibe. Powerful lead guitars twang into your eardrums before being equalized by an ultra-thick bass tone. I’d be fine if this was the last song I ever heard before going deaf.
nullsign have an identity, and it’s evident across the rest of the EP. “Incense” may be the most menacing song on the EP, laced with shimmery textures and plucky leads, it holds up just fine next to the aforementioned two. Contrary to the usual frontloading of single-worthy songs however, nullsign seem to have saved the best for last here on Sensory. “Salt” may be the catchiest (or tastiest?) song here, with its self-propelling lead guitar riff and cool shuffling drum textures. Album closer and lead single “Phantom Pain” might get our nod for album favorite, however – the Big Muff (TM) sludge here is set off by the tried-and-true quiet/loud songwriting method, sending the choruses into galactic territories while reigning it in for maximum dynamics everywhere else.
Sensory is out now (February 21, 2025). Check out the music video for “Phantom Pain” below via YouTube – you can find all the other ways to support nullsign here.
Categorised in: Album Reviews
This post was written by Nick Sessanna