“Too Cool” by 9 O’Clock Nasty is a rock track with diverse influences. In just one verse you’ll hear Gorillaz, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Ramones, and maybe even IDLES–but don’t be fooled–it’s still imbued with a sense of creativity and originality. Rock music is continuously changing, and “Too Cool” is an aggressive, intoxicating addition to that narrative.
The song opens with a quickfire series of snare hits, followed by a mildly overdriven guitar riff. The trills and techniques in this motif have John Frusciante written all over them. It’s catchy, it’s satisfying, and it sounds, quite frankly, impressive. The vocals come in with a rhythmic yet spoken tone, “He’s the low-fat Jesus / The indie king / He’s too cool for school and all them childish things.” The vocals are heavily chorused, giving them this trendy, full sound.
Another drum fill thrusts us into the chorus, which takes on more of a distorted power-chord, punk-rock, shouted hook feel. The riff kept the verses rather static in tonality, while these newfound chords have a distinct arc to them. It’s a pleasant juxtaposition, giving the listener something subtle and pleasing to grasp onto.
For the rest of the track, we’re presented with a balanced combination of repetition and new moments, like a delightfully crunchy guitar solo. By the end, you’re left feeling either energized or cathartic, depending on how you digest your music. Regardless, this track is a fantastic example of how unique modern rock can be. Give Nine O’clock Nasty a listen and a follow!
Written by Alyce Lindberg
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