Incarnadine

Greetings! I hope you are well. Today we find ourselves expanding upon the topic of my intense (some would say obsessive) devotion and dedication to the Washington, D.C.-based metal/rock band Nothingface. This communique was written and is intended to be read in a slightly tongue-in-cheek manner and, as usual, may contain an overabundance of cliches and/or breathless superlatives. Now, on to business:

I'm inclined to believe that you (yes, you) ought to check out the CDs "Pacifier," "An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity," "Violence" and "Skeletons" by Nothingface as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. In fact, why not just go out and buy 'em all? That's what I did!

Actually, I first owned - and loved - "Violence" shortly after it came out in September of 2000, thanks to a friend of mine who always had an ear for good music. We later went to see Nothingface play in our hometown - I believe they were touring in support of the new CD - and were literally amazed by their performance. I'll never forget that show and the tremendous impact it had on me; seeing the band play live only cemented my dedication to their unique and complex style of music.

Since placing all four of their CDs into regular rotation, I have slowly explored and fallen in love with nearly every song on every album. I listen to Nothingface on a daily basis and have for quite some time; their music has gotten me through many a tough spot. Even "Violence" sounds better and more relevant than it did in my high school days, though that could be due in part to the mind's natural amplification (or abridgement) of memory.

If I had to sum it up in a short sentence, I don't think I could. Or maybe I just did...Seriously, it's very difficult to explain the emotionally and intellectually stimulating effect that a given Nothingface song or CD has on my brain. I suppose that as musicians, they are simply tuned into my particular wavelength - or I into theirs, as it were.

To paraphrase the author of NothingfaceLive.com (whose work I fear may soon be lost), take these four albums with you through life as I and others have, and remember to share them with anyone who has an appreciation for fine, passionate music.

Keep in mind that Nothingface combines many elements to produce their sometimes haunting, sometimes disturbing sound. They are quite unlike any other band and should be approached accordingly. On that same note, each album varies from the next in terms of everything from sound quality to music/vocals ratio. Taste is a matter of personal preference, and some may not be able to enjoy the music of Nothingface on the same level as others.

Now that you know all of this, your destiny is clear: you must pass this message along to the downtrodden, the distressed, the anguished and the aggrieved - or as Nothingface themselves affectionately refer to their fans, "The Sick."

Thank you for reading.

- John