Atlanta-based artist Nelsun Rhodes, known professionally by his first name, is a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock genre. Blending elements of striking metal production with the quick-tempered chords of stadium rock, the artist continues to dazzle and amaze with his gifts. Coming off his 2024 Of The People album, Nelsun drops his third EP, 'Nah, mean.' The EP is an array of charred lyricism and the shrieking guitar themes you've come to expect from a rock project. Throughout the 6 track project, Nelsun bears it all from social outcasting to society's paranoid aspects.
The opening track, "I Make Objects" is a great introduction to the mind of Nelsun. Short but long in its impact, "I Make Objects" begins with a kick drum and never takes its foot off the musical gas as Nelsun spews rapid-fire lyrics over distortion. The pause between "I Make Objects" and the second track, "Tell Me A Joke" helps amplify the heightened tension in the music. Both tracks complement each other as the rest of the project screams passionately.
"They Tryna Kill Me" slows the project down just a little bit with an overly backing drum rhythm. One of the darker tracks of Nah, Mean, "They Tryna Kill Me" is a refreshing but paranoid take on society's overshadowing control of the masses. It's a standout track of the project that hopes to inspire a call to arms or make sense of the new world. From racial injustice to the harmful chemicals within the food supply, it's no wonder Nelsun keeps his head on a swivel.
Nelsun rounds out Nah, mean with "The Neighbors Are Gone" and "I Don't See Color." Clocking at over 6 minutes, "The Neighbors Are Gone" is the longest track on the EP, for good reason. The track is very raw and forced in a way that excels over the entire track. Nelsun's voice throughout the track offers warmth against the harsh elements of the shrieking guitar. The vocals are beckoning the listeners forth in an almost haunting way. As the song trails off, it leaves a lingering feeling of loneliness that carries into the closing track, "I Don't See Color."
One of Nelsun's trademark abilities is his gift with the keys. A pianist at heart, Nelsun takes a left turn with the soul-breaking powerful melody on the end track. "I Don't See Color" sees the artist showcasing his masterful craft under the weight of coveted lyrics. Despite the overall excellent project, "I Don't See Color" is Nelsun's most embarking track on the project and he doesn't shy away from letting everyone know it. Among the cluttered rock space, Nelsun is an artist looking to rise to the top.
Nah, mean out now on all streaming services.
