EP Review: The Nearly Deads – Revenge of The Nearly Deads

Coming in like a juggernaut from left field is The Nearly Deads with their latest EP Revenge of The Nearly Deads. Available May 26^th, these six tracks take things back to the basics of rock n’ roll with pure energy and tenacity.

Formed in 2010, the Nashville-based five-piece is made up of Theresa Jeane (vocals), Steven Tobi (lead guitar), Javier Garza Jr. (rhythm guitar), Kevin Koelsch (bass), and Josh Perrone (drums). The Nearly Deads started their journey with their self-titled debut EP in 2011. The lead single “Never Look Back” put the band on the map, having garnered over 7 million views since its release. It was enough to gain the attention of Standby Records who signed The Nearly Deads in 2013 to release their second EP, Survival Guide. Without skipping a beat it seems, the band then put out their first full-length album Invisible Tonight less than a year later. The Nearly Deads has toured extensively, sharing the stage with Halestorm, Tonight Alive, In This Moment and more. This constant stream of success and activity has lead to features in Absolute Punk, Alt Press, and Revolver (just to name a few), as well as airplay on MTVu, MTV Hits, FUSE, BlankTV, Verizon FiOS and Vevo.

Revenge of The Nearly Deads kicks off on a strong note with “Diamond in the Rough.” From the moment I hit play, the classic and intoxicating rhythm took over, laced with layered melodies. Meanwhile, the way Jeane belts out bitter lyrics puts her in league with Lzzy Hale and Kelly Clarkson. The sheer energy on this one track makes it easy for me to see why this band has gained the well-deserved attention of their ever-growing fanbase, the Zombie Nation.

“My Evil Ways” adds more fuel to the momentum of the EP. It’s a plucky single that could definitely feel like a hat-tip to Paramore. While the melody thrashes behind her, Jeane revels in her devious behaviors stubbornly declaring: “I’ll never change my evil ways.” It’s rather simple at its core, highlighted by Tobi’s awesome solo, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

Changing gears slightly is the darker “Not Listening” featuring more melodic riffs with the same gritty undertones that pushed The Nearly Deads up to the #14 spot on Billboard’s Next Big Sound chart. Perrone shines in this number with skillful beats that switch effortlessly between complex fullness and bare-bones tempos during the verses.

“Frequencies” is a blue-hued track that threw me for a loop with echoing melodies and Jeane’s soft vocals. This ballad lacks much of the aggressiveness of the EP, replaced by soaring guitar riffs and hints of desperation amid the lyrical longing. There are many layers, all culminating during Tobi’s brief solo.

For only being six tracks long, The Nearly Deads have taken me on quite the listening journey. What started off as a hard-hitting EP, finished on a sorrowful and heartfelt note, proof that the end is never quite like the beginning. Be sure to pre-order a copy of Revenge of The Nearly Deads exclusively through MerchNow and show the group some love over on Spotify. You can also grab the singles “Diamond in the Rough” and “My Evil Ways” on iTunes now.

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Track Listing:

1. Diamond in the Rough
2. My Evil Ways
3. Not Listening
4. Revenge
5. Frequencies
6. As Good As It Gets