Adam KeysNickelback – Feed The Machine (BMG)
Genre – Rock
Since forming in Alberta, Canada in 1995, globally celebrated, diamond-certified rock band Nickelback have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past two decades.
Despite countless mega selling records, consistently selling out areas and a live show that can be topped by few, Chad Kroeger and co. still somehow find themselves written off by rock fans, and viewed as a joke, even though Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell has been championing them for over a decade.
So, after 20 years, what does Feed The Machine bring to the Nickelback catalogue?
Opening with the title track, the four piece waste no time getting started, as Feed The Machine brings all the big hooks and anthemic sounds you’d associate with Nickelback. Kroeger’s vocals are pitch perfect as always, with their raspy sexual appeal echoing through the speakers in their typical style.
Nickelback albums are written with radio and arena shows in mind, and Feed The Machine delivers that in spades with a real variety of pace, with faster numbers like Song On Fire and For The River being broken up by slower numbers like After The Rain.
After The Rain is Nickelback down to a T. This slowed down number is a lighter out (mobile phone torch), hands in the air, sing along of epic proportions. Kroeger will have arenas eating out of the palm of his hands as the band slow things down to pin drop silence, to give his vocals centre stage for this beautiful rock ballad – say what you want, but you know you’ll be singing along!
Although there is plenty of variety between fast and slow, Feed The Machine carefully packs in mid-range numbers like Home. With big, pounding drum patterns and yet another vocal driven approach, Nickelback have managed to nail down the tight, professional nature of their live shows in this track to create a straight up, radio friendly, rock gem.
After 22 years to selling out venues than many can only dream of, Nickelback continue to be written off. It’s become cool to laugh them off, but why not take a bit of time, turn up the volume and give this band a second chance? Perhaps even catch a live show? You may find your opinion changes very quickly!
RUSHONROCK RATED – 9/10 Big hitting, radio friendly rock and roll that’s packed with quality.
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