NNM – Neanderthal Nöise Machine

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To put it simply, NEADERTHAL NÖISE MACHINE (or NNM), much like one of their influences, MOTÖRHEAD, play rock and roll. The trio from Italy, lay it down “like a locomotive to Hell,” loud and fast, furiously pumping out music that will, similar to  MOTÖRHEAD’s, appeal to both punkers and metalheads. Their influences are many, specific, and easily heard on this live-recorded debut and, in addition to the aforementioned MOTÖRHEAD, include solo album FAST EDDIE CLARKE, VENOM (1980-84), SAXON (1978-85), AC/DC (1975-1979), GEHENNAH, THE MENTORS (1981-89), DISCHARGE (1981-84), BATHORY (1983-84), ROSE TATTOO (1978-82), EATMYFUK, and TANK (1981-1984). No frills or fancy stuff here, just straight-on, raw-edged music celebrating the genre’s trinity: sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Whether or not it’s intended, this self-titled debut could, stylistically (the word is used loosely), be divided into two types of songs. “Caligüla,” “Snorting Shit On Your Tits,” “Dirty Jailbait Asshöle,” and “Wild, Dirty & No Remörse” evoke melodic hardcore punk. Fast and furious, these tracks are played with a controlled aggression that frequently threatens to, and sometimes does, spin out of control. Alimai is a busy man, not only singing, but also drumming at breakneck speeds to lead NNM’s sonic assault. Bastard plays his bass in manner similar to LEMMY, strumming as opposed to plucking individual strings, putting down a solid rhythm which Ace grinds along with and over. The drumming can sometimes be fairly intricate, such as on “Dirty Jailbait Asshöle,” while Ace is given room, albeit brief considering each track’s brevity, to demonstrate classic-metal inspired soloing, on “Caligüla” and “Snorting Shit On Your Tits” for instance.

“Rölling Through The Night” and “Wild, Dirty & No Remörse” are a bit different, each a brief respite from the maelstrom. Though they retain that rough edge, they have a very, very, very (I can’t use that adjective enough for this) slight hint of refinement. Way uptempo, these two tracks are just a tad slower, allowing for a bit more instrumental structuring and laying. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still down-and-dirty numbers, they just demonstrate a bit more form than the other tracks on the album.

NNM plays fast, straight-ahead, take-no-prisoners rock and roll. There is no pretension in this 18-minute mini-album (released August 28, 2020); NNM just lets it rip. Nothing fancy here. The music has a do-it-yourself, brutally honest feel, just three guys unapologetically playing with a fist-to-the-face sensibility. This reviewer’s advice, play it loud and play it often.

Musicianship: 7
Songwriting: 6
Memorability: 6
Production: 7