By MATT WEST
For the past few years, it seems major record labels have been scrambling to sign pop-rock bands that offer a sound at least slightly different from the 'norm' of the '90s.
The down side is that with the lack of uniqueness that still exists with modern rockers, these same labels are having to cling on to anything about a band that's different (e.g., look, age and overall image). Exhibit A: The Nixons.
Based out of Oklahoma, this four-piece outfit has been getting its share of publicity and radio play lately. Band members claim influences all the way from the Grand Ole Opry to KISS, and this 'diverse' background was enough for MCA records to deal them a recording contract. But a quick listen to their new self-titled album reveals that even with their claimed influences, the music is nothing new.
Every song on the twelve-track album has a sound that can be safely traced and compared with other past or present grunge rock bands, such as Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. There's even a little ''80s power-rock' sound in a few tunes, like the toned down ballad 'December' and the up-tempo 'Butterfly.' That's not to say that the songs on the album all sound the same; each song definitely has its own style. The overall package, however, sounds more like a tribute to other bands than an album by MCA's latest find.
But you have to give them some credit: They are a hard working band. The Nixons played nearly 300 shows in 60 cities for their last tour, and they are at it again. Since the beginning of this month they've been touring across the U.S. and Canada promoting their new album, and they will be on the road for some time. Their web page (www.nixons.com) suggests that living on 'funky-smelling buses' and 'sleeping in seedy motels' is second nature to the band. But their real love comes from the performances, wherever those may be. From the same site Zac Maloy, the lead singer, is quoted as saying, 'We've always been at home on stage, in front of people who support us ... it just made sense to play anywhere and everywhere we could.'
And they do have musical talent. It's not often you can find a group's front man who not only sings but can play the trumpet at recording quality, as Maloy does on the album's final track 'Shine.' It's equally tough to get a rock bass player who can pull off a great fretless sound, as in 'Miss USA.'
But you need more than hard work and talent to finish the formula for a great rock band. Obviously for the major record labels, sound isn't a part of that formula. Even the other Oklahoma based over-night success band Hanson has talent, but, just as the Nixons, got their break because of their novelty and not their sound; in this case, age. Maybe MCA should combine the groups for the something 'different' everyone is looking for. Two wrongs may just make a right.