Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

9 o’clock Nasty – Mood Is Low (2023)

Grimy, gritty and oozing a grungy dark goo (sonic goo of course), 9 o’clock Nasty’s music is, well, nasty but you love it. Already established as a firm favourite of ours, the Leicester-based lads astound us with their melodies time and time again. Yet, we are not the only ones loving what they do with various publications, such as Rock Era Magazine, Iggy Magazine and Sinusoidal Music, singing their praises. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Mood Is Low’.

If someone asked me which genre 9 o’clock Nasty falls into, it isn’t all that clear. With strong punk inclinations in the majority of their songs, I could opt for punk. Moreover, given that their electric performances evoke fist-pumping insanity associated with punk, this label would be most suited. Then again, I need to inform you that 9 o’clock Nasty is indefinable. They take punk, add some sprinkles of rock or hip-hop or pop or all of them, shake it and place it in a jar for all to view. With ‘Mood Is Low’, the lads did that shake with a speckle of rock and roll glimmering through the inimitable style.

Following the well-received single ‘The Gastronaut’, ‘Mood Is Low’ kicks the hip hop-induced sound to the curb picking up raw rock instead. Brash guitars match pounding drums in a distorted frenzy; however, there is a smooth flow within the organised chaos. Signature gruff vocals emerge from the core of the gritty tune chanting that their mood is low but, truthfully, I find my mood lifting with this track. An elegant move into a 70s rock and roll tone ends things off with a softer, soothing flair.

Emerging from the shadows of a haunted abyss filled with all those scary things you encounter in your nightmares, 9 o’clock Nasty proves that some good exists in the creepy corners of your mind. One of the best bands I have come across for several years now, I can’t get enough and insist you join me on this crazy ride.


For more from 9 o’clock Nasty, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator