With the release of their self-titled debut in 2005 Nightmare of You made it a point to distance themselves from their post-The Movielife buzz and define their sound as something unique. The band's fusion of cool indie rock, Joy Division-inspired new wave, and Morrissey-like musings created quite a clamor with fans expecting output akin to their roots
but everyone else was enamored with what they heard.
Since then, the Long Island group has kept busy with a rigorous touring schedule and adventurous songwriting with the self-released Bang EP as well as a split 7" with brother-band This is Hell on Run for Cover Records. The band continued to gel Brit-pop with a flourishes of dance-pop, which kept in line with the band's original direction, but Infomaniac sees the band distancing themselves from this sound.
Opening number "Good Morning, Waster" is essentially an acoustic piece that showcases the sweet harmonies of vocalist/guitarist Brandon Reilly layered over simplistic guitars brushes. Eventually the song jumps to a full-rock ensemble, but at this point, the song has about run its course and it just eases into the next track. "Eustacia Vye" is very much in line with the band's debut offering with its slightly up-tempo rhythm and guitars deeply rooted in The Cure school of thought. It's quirky and playful, but not in a cheeky kind of away.
From here, Nightmare of You documents their growth as songwriters, venturing outside their comfort zone of obvious influences. "I Think I'm Getting Older" is an excellent Minus the Bear-esque jam that highlights Reilly and primary guitarist Joseph McCaffrey's talents. Meanwhile "Someday, But Not Today" is a Beatles-inspired fusion of vintage pop rock and folk undertones. This style is later revisited on "A Pair of Blue Eyes." Both songs bring heavy 1960's pop comparisons.
If there were one song that was most reminiscent of the band's self-titled debut, it would be "Hey Sweetheart." The incorporation of keyboards in the song's structure gives it an up-tempo feel, flirting once again with the dance-pop world of The Killers and their ilk.
Even with the occasional tip to their early recordings, Nightmare of You appears to be making a point to never repeat themselves on Infomaniac. "Experimental Bed" is a good example with its inclusion of the saxophone and jazz-like transitions, not to mention hints of surf-rock guitars. "Amsterdam" boasts some stellar post-rock guitar noodling, something that'd be more likely to appear on a Mogwai record. Closer "Goodnight, Devil" is a stellar guitar-centered piece, echoing and swirling guitars dominate the concluding number, which reminds me a lot of the discordant pieces found on Brand New's The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me.
Infomaniac may not end up being as universally praised at the band's debut full-length, but I feel the songwriting here reaches higher points than its predecessor. On the downside, the low points of the new album also fall well below that of their previous work. If Nightmare of You can find a strong middle ground then I have a feeling their next full-length could be their best to date.
