Bertling Noise Laboratories - Matilda and 12 Others
Nick Bertling is best known as a drummer for many local acts
(Never Never and Alto Verde, just to name two) and I’m sure the quality of this
release will surprise many that have come to know of him from his time behind
the kit. Matilda and 12 Others
shows the many sides of this accomplished musician.
Beginning with the sound of a scratchy record followed by a
“George Martin moment”, Nick Bertling kicks off his debut solo release in a
fashion that will follow throughout the whole of the album. It’s like a game of
spot the influence. Taking cues from similar one man band artists, such as Paul
McCartney and Todd Rundgren, Nick Bertling plays all of the instruments on this
masterful debut, tracking all but the drums in his home studio. Once the
crunchy Neil Young-ish guitar riff of “Time To Cry” begins, you know you’re in
for a treat. It continues with the Badfinger-esque “Good Morning.” I’m not
going to make comparisons for every track, but Nick wears his influences on his
sleeve. Just when you think this is a just a power-pop record, Bertling
switches up styles again. “I Can’t Find My Mind” switches from the ‘70s sound
to a more ‘80s sound, then we reach the first ballad, “Would You Be So
Inclined.” All of the ballads are moody, “It’s Not Funny,” “Figure Eight,” and
“Bits and Pieces.” Though there is no language warning, I will give a heads up
that there is a “f bomb” in “I Bet She Thinks.” I didn’t even notice it the
first time around, as it is sung so sweetly, the way only Elliott Smith used to
do. “Baby Talk” is a great throwback with a wonderful replication of the
classic Motown sound and “Not Sure Yet” is a great guitar driven tune. One
thing I caught the first time I listened to this album is that it all flows
together, but not like a Moody Blues record that segues every track. This album
has more of a Todd Rundgren aesthetic.
When a song is done it just ends and another starts without a pause.
Bertling Noise Laboratories debut release
is another highly recommended release. There’s literally something for everyone
on this album as Bertling throws in everything but the kitchen sink. He is
currently working on the follow-up and I can’t wait to see what he has in
store.
(Post Script: There is
also an ambient Bertling Noise Laboratories release entitled Installation
Piece No. 1, but I don’t consider it a proper follow-up as it’s meant for
sleep and study. A little snippet of it can be heard on Matilda as the intro to “Not Sure Yet”).
Bertling Noise Laboratories on the net:
Bandcamp (Stream
the entire record here!)
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