Fear and The Nervous System is:
James “Munky” Shaffer- guitar/KoRn
Billy Gould- Bass/Faith No More
Brooks Wackerman- Drums/Bad Religon
Leopold Ross- guitar, programming
Steve Krolikowski- Vocals/Repeater
Zach Baird- keyboards/Korn
About 3 years since it’s inception, FATNS debut album is finally here. While Korn was recording Remember Who You Are in 2009, producer Ross Robinson introduced Munky to the singer he had been looking for. Krolikowski was the last piece to join the band, with the music all but finished, he gave the band its final voice.
The more I listen, the more I like this album. I’m having a hard time describing what they sound like. A Perfect Circle comes to mind first, Black Light Burns is another, with a little bit of Marilyn Manson. It’s alt rock, very different from Korns’ sound. It’s very moody, brooding and atmospheric, a touch of industrial in the mix. Krolikowski has a very distinct voice which I always look for in a singer, he really brings something out in the music. He’s a powerful singer and a great lyrisist. Even though he’s been in Repeater for some time, I think this is just the the start for him. He’s yet to make a name for himself, but FATNS could really put the spot light on any project he’s in if people hear him on this album. I’d really like to hear what he would do and had he been recording with FATNS as a complete band. I ‘ll have Repeaters newest CD this month I think, I like what I’ve heard there too.
I really just have to say you need to listen to it to get the sound they make. Out of 12 tracks, I’m all about 9 of them. The opening track, “Hell” is an intro that really doesn’t do anything for me. “Triggers” sounds like it wasn’t mixed right, there is so much layering and reverb that overlaps so much it’s almost impossible to make out the lyrics. “Dissolve” is the final track I don’t like, just one of those songs that don’t click with me. “Ambien” is abptly named, I seemed to go back and forth on how much I dig it. The rest is some really unique and powerful compositions. “No Secrets” is a perfect example of what the band is like. A catchy, simple riff that builds into a thumping vibration of energy. “Choking Victim” is the most standard rock like, it’s got a typical structure and thump to it. It’s the first song that was released and it made me really hopeful for the album. Turns out that it’s not even close to the best track. My top picks are, “Chosen Ones”, “No Secrets” and “Jaguar” running right behind. “Beautiful Side” is far and away my favorite, it just takes me over everytime I hear it. I actually wake up to it a lot in my head, it’s like it’s found a spot in my mind to hang out in. I
With no CD release, you can find Fear and The Nervous System on Amazon.com and itunes. With no label these guys just put it out there into the stream, so please check it out! Give it a listen, you may find a new sound you didn’t know you were missing.