Goner Records is giving us a taste of what the new NOTS album, Cosmetic, due out early September is going to be by releasing the single of their debut track. “Entertain Me”, comes in at just a little over seven minutes long and I still want more. Alexandra Eastburn, Natalie Hoffman, Charlotte Watson and Meredith Lones make noise and sometimes senseless melodies that come together in seamless perfection. Screaming “Entertain me, me, me, me…” with this post-punk pop synth passion that makes me stomp my feet and nod my head. Cosmetic will be NOTS second full length and they come at it with the ferocity of seasoned rock stars. There is no love affair in which the music they throw in your face pronounces, it’s straight forward and as it should be.
“Nots are still a wild guitar band, but above and below the guitar, bass and drum pound, Alexandra Eastburn’s analog synth blurps melodies and nonsense, teasing squiggles of freedom which defy the false grid of modern life. Cosmetic? Emetic? “Monotone Lust” indeed. With Hoffmann on guitar & vocals, Eastburn on synth, Charlotte Watson beating drums, and Meredith Lones steering a solid path through the chaos on bass, Nots are neither content with the smug “stare at your shoes” approach of bands from both coasts, nor an Earth-hugging “we need to get back to nature” hippie copout. There might not be any answers here. That might be the point. Nots have arrived at the next level of their attack with a confidence and a music that lays waste to the wasteland without romantic attachment to a thing.”
The band was also announced on this years lineup for GonerFest happening this fall, September 29th thru October 2nd. This will by far be the best roster yet for the festival which will be taking place at multiple venues around Memphis and a playing host for hundreds of fans, both local and international. Festival passes can be purchased for $75, and are still available, get them here. You can also check out the rest of the lineup and activities. 50thirdand3rd will be previewing each artist throughout the next weeks so stay tuned!
Recorded with Keith Cooper and Andrew McCalla in Memphis. Mastered by Jason Ward at Chicago Mastering. Album Art by Natalie Hoffmann.
Follow NOTS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Pre-order the new album, Cosmetic here.
