Album Review: Nestor – Teenage Rebel (Napalm Records)

Get ready to embark on a journey through time as up and coming 80s rock purveyors Nestor, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Sweden, release their long-awaited new album, ‘Teenage Rebel’, via Napalm Records on May 31st, 2024.

It’s quite something that Nestor formed all the way back in 1989 but did not release their debut album ‘Kids in a Ghost Town’ until 2021. Is that a record? It’s got to be up there as the longest time between formation and the release of a debut album.

That release was the starting gun for Nestor, and now, with their popularity skyrocketing, they return with Teenage Rebel. An album of pure nostalgia and sounding like it came right from the golden age of rock. The goal for Nestor is to be as anthemically pleasing as possible, and across the eleven tracks of this album, they easily surpass it.

Following an atmospheric intro called The Law Of Jante, which features a spoken-word monologue by Danish voice actress Freya Miller, Nestor bring the retro rock vibes front and centre with We Come Alive. An instant energetic highlight that takes up such mental residence, it’s initially hard to focus on the following title track. Thankfully, it having one hell of a chorus brings the focus to where it should be. Then along comes the first of several rock ballads, Last to Know to show a more touching side to Nestor.

It’s so nostalgic, it hurts, but it’s also so damn lovable. Few won’t be able to stop the smile spreading across their face following that, and when the massive anthem that is Victorious comes along. That there, is going to be a beast in the live environment, as far as singalongs go. Although, even more sensitive tracks like Caroline will be mightily loved too, especially when they feature a stunner of a guitar solo.

It’s back to a more ballady side of Nestor with The One that Got Away, a ‘lighters out’ track if there ever was one. Followed by the super-synth sound of Addicted to Your Love, the vigorous instrumentals of 21, and the feel-good vibes of Unchain My Heart. Nestor really don’t complicate things here, and they’re better for it. This really is an album of ‘all killer, no filler’, and no more proof is needed than the finale. Another ballad, and arguably the most morose of all. It’s a big finish that adds the sentimental exclamation mark on a great album.

Nestor – Teenage Rebel Track Listing:

1. The Law Of Jante (featuring Freya Miller)
2. We Come Alive
3. Teenage Rebel
4. Last To Know
5. Victorious
6. Caroline
7. The One That Got Away
8. Addicted To Your Love
9. 21
10. Unchain My Heart
11. Daughter

Links

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