Massive Nighmares debuted in 2024 with a short EP. Now they return with a full-length.
The band plays a somewhat even blend of punk, emo, and alt-rock. As an example, check out "Up In Arms," which is like Dear You era Jawbreaker with a boost of power-pop and maybe some Lemonheads mixed in as well. While it's easily the poppiest part of the record, they mix in some hoarse backing vocals to counteract the big, clean '90s radio-friendly tone a bit. If you like punk, power-pop, '90s rock and blurry genre lines, take note.
"On The Edges" is another good example of where the band sits. It has punk undertones, but this is more '90s alt-rock with big rock 'n' roll hooks and a bit of attitude (tastefully via the guitar more than an arrogant "swagger" to the vocals). It's kind of the intersection between grunge, the early '00s "resurrection of rock 'n' roll" garage rock era, and punk. In other words, this intersects with all of the musical movements that have spoken to me. They keep the song concise and rough around the edges, highlighting an authentic tone instead of the bombast that all of those movements suffered once they hit the larger market. "Sixes and Sevens," besides having the most 2025 title possible, is a poppy alt-rock jam that would have fit right into a '90s radio show after a band like Gin Blossoms. "Chemtrails" has a touch o' twang.
While the songs I've singled out so far are upbeat and driving, overall I'd say the band lives in the midtempo space and often uses subtle bass to create an outline, then nuanced but driving guitarwork to color in the lines. The message of the record hits a similar mood: adding real human spirit to a soulless world.
