Album Review: Don Broco – Nightmare Tripping (Fearless Records)

UK alternative rockers Don Broco are back with their brand-new album, ‘Nightmare Tripping’, out March 27th via Fearless Records.

A band that needs no introduction being one of the biggest names in alternative rock and metal, Don Broco return with a wild ride of creative sounds and ideas. Some which result in iconic moments and surefire hits, some of which don’t quite leave a lasting impact. It’s certainly a varied listen, and that is evident by unique collaborations with Nickelback and Sam Carter.

The former, part of the anthemic title track that combines creative choppy rhythms and bursts of heavy intensity with poppy touches and a soaring chorus that few will be able to deny the pull to sing along to. The latter, an explosive and heavy crowd pleaser that will open some pretty wild pits when aired live. Both tracks are memorable, but for different reasons, and combined, show the scale of Don Broco’s artistic thinking here.

Those are tracks I like, and the first half of the record is full of them. Energetic and enthusiastic efforts like Cellophane, which expertly walks the alternative line between rock and pop. Dramatic and melody-laced efforts like Somersaults, and moody pop-rock and emo infused efforts like Ghost in the Night. Even when some aspects don’t work, such as the electronica touches in Disappear, there’s normally an aspect that does, such as the chorus of said track.

No matter which tracks hit for you though, there’s no arguing with the album’s varied stance and how Don Broco have sought to expand their sonic landscape in stylish fashion.

While it does remain an album filled with tons of mainstream crowd-pleasing elements overall, scratch the surface and you’ll find layers that make it so much more interesting. There’s something so joyful about pulling apart a track like Euphoria Live Forever and finding more vivid aspects than expected. Though, once again, their experimentation goes a little too far with Pacify Me and Swimming Pools. A pair of weird, but not quite wonderful tracks, even though there are some notably infectious moments in the former. The latter, less so. Easily the album’s biggest miss, I’m afraid.

What isn’t a miss is Hype Man, as Don Broco deliver bundles of rock-infused energy, bubbly melody, and thrilling bursts of vibrant heaviness. It’s all over the place, but cleverly so, keeping the listener on edge and setting up a cool, but brief, breakdown. It, combined with the retro melodies, potent rockiness, and grand ending of The Corner makes it a latter part to please.

It may not be everything I wanted it to be, but I’ve not come away disappointed either.

Don Broco – Nightmare Tripping Track Listing:

1. Cellophane
2. Disappear
3. Somersaults
4. Nightmare Tripping (feat. Nickelback)
5. Ghost in the Night
6. True Believers (feat. Sam Carter)
7. Euphoria Live Forever
8. Pacify Me
9. Swimming Pools
10. Hype Man
11. The Corner

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