Karmic Whiplash
Artist: Nervous System
Label: Indie 
                      
Change takes courage, originality, passion and commitment.  There is no shortage of this on this CD, Nervous System by Minneapolis, Minnesota folk-rock duo, Karmic Whiplash.  Initially, punk rock/metal musician Brendan Themes grew weary of playing bass in local bands.  He picked up his guitar and played....as an old rock anthem puts it.  Play he did. In Nervous System he has written a collection of songs reflecting a influence from his punk days and following in the footsteps of his obvious mentor, Billy Bragg.  But this is Billy Bragg on a triple dose of espresso.  The song themes are centered on the complexities of relationships in modern times and redemption  His voice is not one of anger or bitterness, as is the case with many troubadours from the punk movement. Words like, "Love is a virus" reflect a frustrated despair.  The trails of complexity in the lyrics invite the listener to feel and relate to the singer's journey.  

The instrumental work on this CD is rapid with a unity and consistency which supports the song.  Travis Lund is the primary instrumentalist using electric guitar, harmonica, mandolin and drums.  On the song "On a Wire," the use of a slightly out of tune guitar is an adventurous choice supporting the songs theme of taking risks in relationships.  

Technically, this CD is a raw demo. While the raggedness of the production isn't always consistent with the quality of the material, the infectiousness of the performance helps to overcome the project's limitations.   

According to Themes this project was completed around Minnesota, including his apartment.  He indicated the  artists who influenced his move from metal and punk orientations were Billy Bragg and Natalie Merchant.  The marriage between folk and metal is not new, but this is a welcome addition to the journey of style re-invention.  

Terry Roland