ALBUM REVIEW: Stardumb

Nuclear Nation’s self-titled debut LP, “Nuclear Nation,” released in 2019, is filled with kick-ass backbeats and memorable guitar solos. With songs like “You’re Not the Boss of Me,” “Gas Station,” and “Entropy,” it seems nearly impossible to top. However, they have outdone themselves with LP “Stardumb.”

“Stardumb” carries massive party vibes, teen angst, and even brought up the problems many of us are facing, which is questioning everything from religion to purpose. “Stardumb” speaks its mind while still having that fast pace punk feel.

Formed originally in 2009, Nuclear Nation only consisted of Marco Polo (vocalist and guitarist) and Matt Polo (drums). The debut was released in 2019 right before adding Richard Herbsleb (bassist and backing vocals), “otherwise known as Dick O’Shea,” at the end of 2020. As a whole, they are inspired by Green Day, Sublime, NOFX, and Rancid.

“Stardumb” has a high-energy opening pushing you right into the album. The song expresses the demeanor shift seen as people gain “fame.” Near the end, the song has a mean guitar solo. A lot of the group’s songs are filled with angst. For example, “Pandemic” that talks about a war occurring amidst COVID 19 and how “shits gotten crazy.” There was also mention of the lootings and riots surrounding Floyd’s murder. “Pandemic” really expresses the insanity of the world’s state as well as the rage we all felt. The lyrics read, “No mercy none left in my sight.” Other lines read, “But what more do you expect? From these people, these backwards rednecks.”

“We try to make a party mood with our music. Nothing that you can’t listen to with a smile or with friends, or at an event,” Marco told me. They did nothing short of this throughout their work.

The album has that Ska-Punk feel that is familiar in Fishbone’s “Party At Ground Zero.” However, Nuclear Nation takes that energy and “party” feel and multiplies it as they make it entirely their own.

The track “Today” sums up a shitty day from getting cut off by an “asshole” in an SUV to being yelled at by the cops. Other songs feel like an anthem to “teen” rebellion. Like “I Don’t Owe You Anything” (which hits hard and is one of my favorites) and “Middle Man.”

“Gods Show” has a really nice melody. Earlier, Marko was explaining to me that they were hesitant about the song due to possible backlash. However, I think the song is really interesting and “brutally” honest. It goes through the inner thoughts of questioning religion, mainly underlining how religion is one large trick. “They’re lying to ya/ Things don’t always look so sunny.” Further lyrics read, “Jesus doesn’t love ya/ He just wants your money honey.” They express the type of thoughts that you wouldn’t normally be able to talk about, and that’s why I really love the song. The opinions and ideas of the track are extremely valid, although direct.

I’m excited to see what comes next for Nuclear Nation.