The latest EP from Nehoda arrived in the inbox with an intriguing note – “It starts off a bit more in the vein of who we were and finishes out the last 4 songs showing who we have become.” A transformation in the course of six songs? Okay, I’ll bite!
Taking the band at it’s word, it’s seems that Nehoda takes the band from a rootsy tinged undertaking into a transcendent rock experience, a ticket into space-y compositions with some prog tendencies. “Fingertips” serves an excellent bridge between these two worlds as it unfurls with some familiar huge riffs mixed with fresh and floaty pontifications on losing your way. “Bloody Blues” adopts some stoner rock psychedelic vibes that slowly climb into a giant wall of sound even on the smallest speakers. “Screaming Out Your Name”, the EP’s closing track, feels like a direct nod to the influence of Pink Floyd on their sound, a melancholy slow burn riding an expertly executed guitar soul that carries you along the cosmic ebbs. It’s not a derivative song but David Gilmour would be honored.
Even without intimate familiarity on the back catalog of the band, the band seems to be embracing a more dynamic sound. The loud parts still have a place but they’re woven into a more varied landscape of sprawling contemplations. For a band with a pretty deep catalog, Nehoda is the first step into new territory that the band is stepping confidently into.