N.E.R.D
Seeing Sounds
Star Trak/ Interscope/ Universal


N.E.R.D's debut album 'In Search Of...' is undoubtedly one of my favourite albums of all time. Its raw energy, unmatched urban appeal, satirical, almost cynical commentary, and tight ass productions make it such an intriguing and captivating listen. However, when their sophomore 'Fly Or Die' dropped, so did my listening pleasure. It was almost a whole new N.E.R.D sound that did not reflect the vibe of their debut. So it was fair to say that I was anticipating their next album with more hope than excitement.

When I first heard the breaky booty basstastic Everybody Nose (All The Girls Standing In The Line For The Bathroom), that hope turned to relief, sensing that, perhaps, N.E.R.D had returned to the same vibes of 'In Search Of...' And mostly, that is true: Time For Some Action is gritty and bassy, tinged with Pharell's smooth vocals, the crunked-up Gen Y anthem Anti Matter is a possible spin off of Rock Star, Spaz boasts guitar-laden drum and bass beats and Kill Joy totally rocks out. N.E.R.D also hits the target with more downtempo tracks including the voyeuristic Window and the urban love stories of Yeah You, Sooner Or Later, and Love Bomb. But there is just something about the album that doesn't make it reach the same heights as 'In Search Of...' Maybe the collaborations which gave their debut much of its personality is the missing element, though Spymob does make a welcome return in 'Seeing Sounds'.

N.E.R.D is definitely back with 'Seeing Sounds!' Perhaps not to the heights of 'In Search Of...' nevertheless, with their tight productions, clever cosmic story telling, and high energy, Williams, Hugo and Haley show that they are still a musical wonder.

Leo Varona