Nickelback

Here and Now

Chad Kroeger – Lead Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitar

Ryan Peake – Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

Mike Kroeger – Bass

Daniel Adair – Drums, Backing Vocals

We are heading north of the boarder once again for the well-known band Nickelback. Since starting in 2005, they have released 7 studio albums and numerous music videos. They have toured all over the place as well as playing mini sets for shows and special events. The Canadian rock band is based in Vancouver and first released an EP in 1996. They also released their first LP that same year as an independent release. After signing to Roadrunner Records, they released their 2^nd full length album, The State, in 2000. Their next release came in 2001 on September 11^th. Silver Side Up had three number 1 singles and has done very well. The next release came in 2003 and debuted at #6. The Long Road ranked #157 on Billboard’s 200 Albums of the Decade. The next release came in the normal fashion of 2 years. All the Right Reasons appeared on the shelves in 2005, but before a line-up change happened. The band struck again in 2008 with their sixth record. Dark Horse seen many high charting singles along with sold out concerts and numerous awards. Nickelback is well back again with a “Nickelback Monday” release of their new album Here and Now. The album features 11 tunes and gets going with “This Means War.” Let’s jump in and see what happens. “This Means War” gets going with a huge intro that will get you screaming and your head going. The vocals come in with a slight sinister vibe to them. The backing vocals add the perfect depth to the lead as the guitars rip the stage up. The drums also get into the act with driving strikes. There is a whirlwind of sound that comes in and out while you get fully committed to the track. As you listen you can imagine certain places where pyro would be shooting from the stage. “Bottoms Up” is a fun little number which will have everyone going nuts once again. The vibe is upbeat and grabs your attention. The guitars are phenomenal and the vocals are easy to pick up. You will be signing along in no time. It’s a huge party tune and you can tell that the guys were having some fun recording this one. “When We Stand Together” slows the album to a point for the first time. The track has amazing lyrics once you dive into them. They really star in a solid track and you should take them to heart. A track that is sure to have a great meaning to everyone even if you aren’t fond of rock music or Nickelback, this track should strike a nerve with you. “Midnight Queen” gets back to the lyrical style that Nickelback thrives on. The fast track offers up a great vibe as the vocals spit out a series of lines. The guitars keep pace with them and rip off cord after cord and the drums hit hard. The guitar solo is great and really jacks you up. You would be ready to party after hearing this one. “Gotta Get Me Some” tones down on the speed on the track. The track is still a natural NB number with the lyrical content, but lacks that star power I think. The track marches along with thick drums and decent guitars, but nothing real special. “Lullaby” is a soft number from Nickelback that offers up some piano play and soft spoken vocals. The odd natured track shows a glimpse of the range they have, that they don't need to be partying all the time. It definitely stands out. “Kiss It Goodbye” cranks up the volume again with a huge number. The tempo falls in the middle of some of the earlier tracks and the last one. The track seems to focus on the vocals and the lyrics a bit more as they twist them with a slight effect. I think it has an okay vibe, but it doesn’t get the juices fully going. “Trying Not to Love You” slows the album again. The song goes away from the normal, but delivers a great offering. The guitar play is great while the drums drift along. The lyrics are well written and the track will have you swaying back and forth. “Holding On to Heaven” keeps the album slow. It still has the attitude that most of the band’s tracks has, but not at the normal pace. It is easy to pick up and you probably will be singing along eventually. It’s an okay number, but I don't see if catching on that quick. “Everything I Wanna Do” keeps the album rather slow as they talk about getting down. The ladies will be getting down to this track. This one might be a smash hit at a live show as there are many places for pyro especially at the end of the tune. “Don't Ever Let it End” wraps up the album on another slower offering. The vocals seem to come from the heart as they deliver a nice set of lyrics. I can see many couples holding onto each other tight. Overall this is a very good album. There is a nice mix of heart-felt slow numbers with faster tracks that get the blood pumping. Some of the slower numbers still have the Nickleback lyrical content that we have some accustom to, but a few do not. Those really stand out among the others. The faster tracks you will fall in love with instantly. They kick the guitars into high gear as the drums keep base with their onslaught that they offer up. The tracks are easy to pick up and run with and they give plenty of opportunity for them to interact with a crowd. It really sounds like they took a step back and wrote some more mature songs as they do tend to get blasted for their tracks. I think this is one of their most complete records to date.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Tracks to Watch:

This Means War, When We Stand Together, Lullaby

Track List:

This Means War
Bottoms Up
When We Stand Together
Midnight Queen
Gotta Get Me Some
Lullaby
Kiss It Goodbye
Trying Not to Love You
Holding On to Heaven
Everything I Wanna Do
Don't Ever Let it End

Website (s): www.nickelback.com