Album Review: NOBRO – Live Your Truth Shred Some Gnar

All-female power train that will leave everyone breathless

Following their 2020 EP Sick Hustle, NOBRO released their first official album, Live Your Truth Shred Some Gnar. This seven-track album is a non-stop ride of female power and rock ‘n roll.  This all-female punk rock group was founded in Montreal, Canada and is made up of Kathryn McCaughey, Sarah Dion, Karolane Carbonneau and Lisandre Bourdages. Lead singer McCaughey wanted to bring to the table an all-female-powered punk rock group, as such a band rarely existed. And they were not short in their delivery, bringing such badass power to the musical table that would make any female rocker proud. These girls truly pack a punch on this debut album, and it’s not just heard, but felt in every track. This comes as their first full album under Dine Alone Records.

Church organs beckon the ears on the first track “Better Each Day.” This track starts with a beautiful church choir calm, then hits like a speeding bullet train. The song then picks up in a bracing mixture of rock, funk and punk. The calling background vocals are clean and clear, making it a satisfying contrast against the gritty main vocal.

Fuzzy overdriven guitars create a Black Keys style grit on “Not Myself.” This track hones in on the rougher side of the blues clashing with alt-rock stylings that make the heart want to put on some leathers and start a bar fight. Following quickly after, “Bye Bye Baby” thunders in with full punk rock angst. Leaving behind the biker bar blues, this track is a constant thrashing, so listeners beware as uncontrollable headbanging may occur.

“Get With U” kicks in with a mellow, funky low bassline and simple percussion that seems to count the moments leading to a chaotic hook. The track seems to have a very, The Donnas vibe within the vocals and an easy-going beginning. Breaking the mellow start, the hook is all guns blazing with the guitar cranking it up, becoming extra gritty and the drums becoming wild. It is a beautiful dance of female chaos. 

Bringing this crazy ride of rockin’ female power to an end is “Life is a Voyage.” This closing track slows things down, breaking it down to the bare necessities. Featuring a thick-sounding acoustic guitar with minimal congo and shaker action though with a little power from a slightly overdriven electric guitar. It is a really fun way to slow down to a close while still keeping the upbeat rockin’ attitude that has driven the rest of the album.

Top to bottom NOBRO really delivers a thrashing, beer bottle breaking, powerhouse punch on Live Your Truth Shred Some Gnar. 

 

Ani Khajadourian: Allow me to begin by introducing myself, my name is Ani Khajadourian. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA I attended California State University Northridge graduating with a BA in English literature in 2020. Along with my education in Literature I am a singer songwriter and audio engineer as well. As my journey here at MXDWN begins as the indie rock writer, it is allowing me to perform magic by combining my passions for both writing and music .
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