closet nerd - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Closet Nerd 

 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
self-released; 2013

3.9 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo 

Closet Nerd is a band of two musicians who seem to repurpose their misery into pleasing creations of indie and pop rock sound. The band is located in Modesto, CA and there are definitely some influences from their home state of California as the music is upbeat, somewhat beachy and has a laid-back vibe. The sound that Closet Nerd creates on their latest EP Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be compared to bands like Paramore and Tegan and Sara. The main vocalist has a sheer, pure female voice that is peppered with tones of both aggression and softness, and passionate throughout.

The first song on the album really puts the band’s style right in your face, “I think I might have fucked up last night… I should set myself on fire, because I don’t want to be alone.” After this quite descriptive scene, the song goes on to describe a longing for a girl named Holly who’s managed to escape somehow. There is a whisper-like misery in the vocals as well as optimism and hope; “you can always find me where you left me here.” This is a great song to play when someone is really in a “f-the-world” state of mind as it has negative emotions yet positive futuristic outlooks. 

The song “Paper Street” is another example of repurposing pain from the musicians' reality into descriptive lyrics and captivating music. Most people believe that suffering and pain is the best fuel for creativity. The lyrics describe a sour sentiment yet ironically illustrate the situation with satire; “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, I find comfort in my emptiness,” and then the lyrics go on, “over-aggravated, under-medicated.” There is an electric guitar that builds up the song, and the anthemic vocals make this a track that you want to belt out at the top of your lungs.

There seems to be an ongoing theme of despair throughout the album; the song “The Jelly Belly Song” harps on love lost and hearts broken. The vocalist seems so hurt, she could be weeping through the lyrics;  “you have twisted my words, you have broken my heart just like the time you said I could never hurt you.”

Closet Nerd has a f*** love mentality and really wants to help you stick it to your ex, or perhaps even help you beg for their mercy and return. It’s a punkalicious album and the dynamic voice of the lead vocalist and the hard-core rock style of the guitar and drums make it a fun and entertaining listen. The music is even dancy and party-like. Overall, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an entertaining punk-pop rock album infused with comical and ironic lyrics that can help mend any broken heart.

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