Nickelback – No Fixed Address

Nickelback are the band that you just love to hate. It’s irrelevant whether that loathing is a result of Chad Kroeger’s irritatingly gruff voice, or the fact that he’s potentially the worst frontman to ever grace the rock scene, because you’ll still reluctantly buy a few of their tracks when no one’s looking. However, this convention of infatuated odium may be shattered by the release of their new album No Fixed Address.

If you’re expecting the typical menu of tracks that a standard Nickelback album delivers then you’re in for a shock, because there is nothing predictable about No Fixed Address. Yes, the band have branched out and experimented with their sound, which is a miracle in itself. Yet whether this new resonance goes down positively with existing fans is a factor that’s yet to be determined.

Powerful rock songs are in no short supply on the album. Edge of a Revolution, Million Miles an Hour and The Hammer’s Coming Down will be a delight for anyone who truly admires the eminence of the genre. What Are You Waiting For? is the track that will likely ascend the charts, due to its influential lyrics and zealous tone.

The group’s experimentation has even resulted in a few tracks that will splinter your preconceived notions about their music. She Keeps Me Up is a fast-paced song that sounds as though it’s inspired by the sound of the 70s. Got Me Runnin’ Round is another quirky track that even features the rapper Flo Rida; it sounds preposterous in theory, but somehow results in something quite addictive and impressive.

Nickelback may be the musical equivalent of Marmite: you either hate them or you love them. But you have to admire the time and effort that they’ve perceptibly poured into No Fixed Address. Lyrically, the album is superior to similar groups, and musically it demonstrates their aptitude for rock. 

Keira Trethowan

No Fixed Address was released on 14^th November 2014, for further information or to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Edge of a Revolution here: