Eh not quite that much, they def had some more faster-paced rippers when their old bassist used to do lead vox on a few songs (Lowlives, Fugue State, etc), but they've always had the more classic rock/power pop edge.
If we look at the two US tours at the beginning and end of the cycle, yes they grew, but I wouldn’t call it a big jump or anything. Like, yes, they played Mahall’s main room, but there was a lot of space still. I‘m guessing the band probably had bigger expectations. I just think crossing over from Canada (when your band is growing fast there and then wins Juno awards) to play small shows in the states is hard. That’s basically what broke up Alexisonfire. Edit: not insinuating the Nil will break up at all. I just think they are going to be a band slogging it out for a while and hopefully at some point it catches the break in the states that they need.
They sold out both Chicago headlining shows the past two years (150 cap) but prior to that I think they had only done one headliner across the country, so they have some time. I still think they could make a jump here but sure if they’ll catch lightning in a bottle like PUP did opening for Menz and everyone losing their minds.
I think the nil might take a different route than bands like the Menzingers or PUP. I think they might make a bit of a play at the rock/alt radio crowd. I know That’s What Heaven Feels Like got some play, and this song seems more cleaned up for radio. It has a bit less grit than their last albums (I still think it rules though!) I could see them touring more with bands like The Glorious Sons, the Struts, etc in the future. I could be wrong, and I’d prefer them to tour with bands I like more, but I’d also be happy to see them become the biggest band in the world and I don’t think they’ll do that without playing to that side more. We’ll see!
Yeah, I feel like they are definitely trying to go more on the radio side, but I feel like the punk crowd embraces them more, which will be interesting to watch.
Can't wait for new music, I'm still bumping Master Volume a few times a week. One of those records I go to when I'm not sure what I wanna hear.
"Doom boy, skipping like a stone With the headlights, howling at the dawn" Smashing Pumpkins or the NIL you decide
Do y’all think it was always their plan to just release two singles without an album announcement? Or did these *trying times* derail the whole cycle with a big tour and album, etc? It sounds like the album is done, I’m curious if they’re going to hang on to it for awhile and keep releasing one off singles.