Nicholas &
The Pessimistics: Debut album
A review by: Moose
The Pessimistics are a Cincinnati
band who have been together for a few years now, and are releasing their first
album. They are comprised of Nick Baker (vocals/guitar), Shawn Steele (lead
guitar), Alex Fraser (bass), and Donie Maness (drums). The record was recorded
at Fat Tracks Studio located here in Cincinnati and was engineered by Rob
Nadler. The record took some time to record, but after all the blood and sweat
cleared up, and a switch of personnel was finalized mid-way through the
recording process here we have their first full length. This record for them
has been a labor of love to say the least, and to have it completed and done is
a testament to the perseverance to the band. This was an investment that simply
took longer than expected, but that being said they are glad to have it out and
ready for all of your ears.
The record is ten songs that
lyrically spill out more like “a journal” and are “more honest” according to
Nick one of the lead songwriter’s in the band. Musically the record ebbs and
flows through country and rock, and are simply honest. From the first to the
last song the album told a story within itself in just the sequencing of the
songs, let alone the actual story that each individual song is telling. You
have the beginning or the set – up, the middle amped up and raucous, and the
end saying see ya later but leaving the door cracked open for more. In the
conversation I had with Nick the one ideal he and fellow Pessimist Shawn Steele
wanted to get across lyrically were “these songs having merit more than simply
sounding good,” and I would say they achieved both. The record expresses the
honesty of songwriting and the musicianship is top notch. Ten songs worthy of a
listen while heading to Anywhere, USA and listening to the rubber on the road
or just going to the grocery store either way the record definitely has “merit”
and definitely “sounds good.”
Within our conversation you
understand how over the years this album could be a journal. Nick is the son of
musical parents from his Father being in and out of bands and his mother sang
in the church choir, so it was inevitable music would be the way he went and as
he put it about his early years “it seemed like I was figuratively somewhere in
between George Jones and Jesus.” He picked away at 9 on a guitar with the help
of his father, and when a chance opportunity landed him in some trouble the
punishment was to join his school choir which turned out to be a blessing rather
than a curse. Fast forward many years and while you cannot deny the influence
and support from his parents Nick would also like to thank his wife Lindsay
Baker for putting up with him for about 15 years and counting. To simplify it
in his words “Anyone who’s merely dated
a musician knows it’s no picnic. I nominate her for a CEA (Cincinnati
Entertainment Award) every year.” The support has been un-wavering and I have
had the pleasure of knowing Nick for a few years now, and his passion for music
comes across humbly and honestly.
Nicholas and The Pessimistics will
be releasing their debut self-titled album. This is an album full of honesty
and songs that come from the heart. Changes come when we least expect them and
through those our resolve becomes stronger and it seems as though these fellas
went through that and came out alright. There was a final question that I asked
Nick that I like to ask all musicians and artists “why music?” and I’ll let him
finish this off.
Nick Baker: I’ve
always felt fortunate because I’ve never had to wonder what I wanted to do with
my life. Some people spend years searching, trying things out, figuring out
what they really want. But I put some words over a few chords decades ago and I
never asked myself twice what I wanted to do. It’s not always easy. It isn’t
always grand. Sometimes it’s downright sad. But it’s what’s in me. I have no
idea what the future holds, but as long as I’m here I’ll be writing songs and
singing them to people. So far, it’s been pretty good to me. I’m hoping that
trend continues.
Friday February 5th
at The Drinkery 9pm will be their cd release they will be joined by: The
B-Sides & Willow Tree Carolers
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