The Nomads: Solna Loaded deluxe Edition

The Nomads are a Swedish rock and roll band whose latest full-length Solna serves as a statement of purpose. From the outset, it’s clear that the listener is in the presence of a no-bullshit rock band. Opener “Miles Away” hurls from the speakers in a squall of guitar and pounding drums, with singer Niklas Vahlberg’s voice punching through the mix with authority. The good news doesn’t stop there, either: standout track “Hangman’s Walk” mixes ironic humor into a tasty mix of pop-rock ass-kickery.

Not every track is stellar: “You Won’t Break My Heart” feels awfully familiar, and not in a good way. Still, there are many more solid tunes here than weak ones, like the crunching “Don’t Kill the Messenger” and the bouncy, raucous “Up, Down or Sideways”. With a dozen uptempo songs in the three-minute range, this is straightforward rock and roll that breathes new life into an often-tired form. Now if there was only a way to get all those Nickelback fans to trade in their old CDs for this one … .