Sound: Most often this trio sounds like a beefed-up, arena rock version of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Frontwoman Aja Volkman can wail, soar and yelp with raucous ferocity, while the drums pound and the riffs menace, creep or spike. They also branch out from time to time and work in a power ballad, dark reflection, folky jam and a vintage coal miner’s song.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Burn Burn”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Iron Man” (note: not a Black Sabbath cover); “Million Years”; “Blood Machine”; “Living Underground”
Recommended: The eclectic range on Nico Vega’s self-titled debut feels forced and confusing. It’s noble that they offer sounds to balance out their high-powered, sing-along anthems, but the alternate styles aren’t particularly convincing. This is a promising start with a handful of highlights, but Nico Vega needs to work on their identity as a band.
Grade: B

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