I had the opportunity to chat with an amazing alternative band a couple of weeks ago. We talked about everything from how and why they started the band to the meaning behind their name: NERiMA. As we speak the Toronto-based group of 17-year-olds is working on their first album, which they don’t want to spoil too much about. However, Alexi (rhythm guitar and vocals) told me that most of the tracks were already written and were waiting for basslines and a backbone from Connor and Alex.
NERiMA released “Home” earlier this year, becoming their second single. The song showcases their ability to stay true to their punk/alt taste while wrapping in their own upbeat and unique indie sound. It was crazy to hear that Connor (bassist) and Alex (drummer) had only been playing for about a year. They talked about how both of them only learned their instrument so they could be in a band. Alexi brought up the idea, quickly ran over music theory, and left it to them to learn through trial-and-error. A few short months later Alex and Connor were writing their own music.
Alex was telling me that as a kid she would write songs and poems about middle-school crushes. While her cousin Alexi had been playing the guitar since she was eleven. She told me that the only reason she picked it up was because of Taylor Swift. And Connor didn’t have as big of a musical influence growing up, besides when his family uses to sing classics like “Bohemian Rapsody.” After a while, he claimed, he got annoyed.
Their single “Home” really dives deep and becomes an obsessive listen. “Home” differently takes on more of a soft rock feel, which I find brilliant. NERiMA has produced a track layered with guitars, pulsing drums, powerful and emotional vocals, and a great, driving bassline. I can’t wait to see what they next come up with.
