NERiMA – ‘All My Mistakes’ Review

What does NERiMA sound like?

Hooky, melodic, emo-rock.

The review of ‘All My Mistakes’ by NERiMA

The pocket of early 2000s emo rock captured the exact peak of chunky rhythms, power chords, melodic anthems and a direct-to-your-veins emotional pull. NERiMA, a trio from Toronto, plugs directly into that vibe, whilst adding in their own post-punk, alternative sensibilities into the mix. It doesn’t sound like an imitation. Instead, NERiMA comes across as earnest and honest in how they play their music. It makes their third EP ‘All My Mistakes’ all the more potent for those of us needing to rock out to power chords to feel alive.

The opening duo of tracks are extremely high bars. Lead single ‘You Want It, You Got It’ sings of a man who won’t say no, so composer, guitarist, and vocalist Lexi decides to play along so she can orchestrate a devastating downfall. This translates into rumbling drum sections, thanks to Vee, and a powerful mesh of guitars from Lexi and AJ, who takes the lead. There is a dynamism to the performance, and with some subtle effects from the electronic world, we get walls of explosive sound for the chorus to punch through. Whereas that track reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins, ‘Bitter Saint’ is more Avril Lavigne meets Evanescence. Not only is the main melodic hook incredibly catchy, but there are some stop/start moments designed to get the blood pumping.

After two power anthems that brood, ‘Fifty Years’ is brighter. Moving from power chords to noodling guitar hooks, this is as Green Day as NERiMA gets. There’s a party going on somewhere, and its breezier nature offers relief. ‘LOSE!’ uses a swaying ska-like beat and guitar rhythm to bubblegum skip over the lyrics of comeuppance and redemption. NERiMA has called their musical style “easycore rock” and I can understand why. You won’t get heavy guitar solos or screamo rants. Instead, each song feels sonically designed for pop-like consumption and an easy flow. Closing track ‘Reverence’ is a great example of this. The chords and song structure are designed to make you move. There are no half measures and the trio has no concerns going for obvious chord progressions. What makes it work is the delivery. NERiMA has the right energy and flair to stand out from the crowd.

Fun, loud, and anthemic. That’s how I’d describe ‘All My Mistakes’. There’s something nostalgic about the bands’ nods to the past, but they do it whilst adding a modern-day empowerment sass. Each track is an earworm that sticks around long after playing. If you are longing for polished emo-rock that loves a power chord and a bold chorus, NERiMA should be on your go-to list. Punk pop never dies when the hooks are this good.

Recommended track: Bitter Saint

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