Description
Nice Strong Arm – Mind Furnace – Cassette
Mind Furnace is the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band Nice Strong Arm, released in 1988. The album showcases the band’s distinctive sound, blending elements of post-punk, noise rock, and alternative rock.
Indie-rock and industrial noise mixed with goth showmanship and song structure provided Nice Strong Arm with a focus over their several years of recording for Homestead Records.
Founded in Austin but later based in New York, guitarist Kevin Thomson, bassist Jason Asnes and producer Steve McAllister provided the backbone to the group’s approach, first heard on 1987’s Reality Bath. Nice Strong Arm’s second album, Mind Furnace, followed in 1988, after which came an EP and the band’s final release, 1990’s Stress City.
Mind Furnace features a raw and intense musical approach, characterized by abrasive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful vocal performances. The album’s production reflects its lo-fi aesthetic, with a gritty and unpolished sound that adds to its underground appeal.
The opening track, “Windowsill,” sets the tone for the album with its energetic guitar-driven sound and impassioned vocals. Other standout tracks include “Everyday An Ambulance” with its infectious hooks and catchy chorus, and “Secret Language” which highlights the band’s ability to create dynamic and compelling compositions.
Nice Strong Arm’s lyrics often explore themes of personal struggles, societal issues, and introspection. The songs on “Faucet Head” are introspective and poetic, delving into themes of alienation, inner turmoil, and the complexities of human relationships.
The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its raw energy, powerful performances, and unique blend of genres. Mind Furnace remains a notable release in the alternative rock and post-punk genres, showcasing Nice Strong Arm’s talent for crafting intense and emotionally charged music.
Mind Furnace stands as a testament to Nice Strong Arm’s musical prowess and their ability to create a captivating and atmospheric listening experience. The album’s raw and gritty sound, combined with its introspective lyrics, solidifies its place as a standout release in the band’s discography and in the alternative rock landscape of the late 1980s.
Homestead Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
1. Windowsill
2. Everyday An Ambulance
3. A Case For The Calm
4. You’ll Never Know Me
5. Secret Language
6. Framingham
7. Faucet Head
8. Swingset
9. Turn Me Grey
10. Centralia
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