No Age is a relatively new band (2005) and their latest record “Nouns” will most likely end up scattered on numerous end of the year list for best album of the year. The band is a two piece from Los Angeles consisting of guitarist Randy Randell and drummer/vocalist Dean  Spunt.

No Age take their name from an all instrumental SST release from the 80’s. On “Nouns” their first release with indie darling label Sub Pop those SST influences shine through. With the album lasting only about 33 minutes they waste no time setting up the wall of sound. They are lo fi in that they don’t clean up their recordings much, but this hardly sounds like a Sebadoh album.  The term noise rock with melody seems to be the most fitting. The first thing that jumps out at me is the wall of sound these two put together on this recording. Many other current two pieces like the White Stripes and Black Keys tend to openly embrace the space created by only having two instruments. No Age on Nouns sound like they can fill a room just as well as a five piece could.

The music comes off slightly abrasive at first. My first few listens i was ready to dismiss this album as a post modern noise rock album that is just not my style. Sticking with it though and a sense of melody starts to come to forefront. Under the rough outside you start to hear choruses and riffs that grab your attention and will surely be the most rewarding part of this album after future listens.

Songs like Ripped Knees, Things I did when I Was Dead, and Sleeper Hold jump out as the albums strongest offerings. The album jumps around from noise punk to noise folk but you always feel like they are doing something interesting. Too often now adays bands seem to sound uncreative and ultimately uninteresting. With “Nouns” No Age have given us something intriguing  that demands your full attention. Those willing to dedicate that time are rewarded with a refreshing taste that quickly becomes addictive.

If you enjoy lo-fi noise rock melodic punk (say that five times fast!) then this album is one of the better offerings in quite some time for fans of that type of sound. I would hazard to say even if that is not typically your musical taste this album may just captivate you if you stick with it long enough.

3.25 out of 5 Stars

Click here to buy “No Age: Nouns” NOW

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Here is a live video of their song Sleeper Hold. The vocals don’t come through well but it gives you an idea of their sound:

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