Various Artists

The Nurse Who Loved Me: A Tribute To Failure

[3.5/5]



It’s fitting that this Failure tribute is full of hidden gems and undiscovered talent–after all, that describes the career of the beloved cult space-rockers. In fact, Paramore’s fantastic version of “Stuck On You” (an impressive showcase for Hayley Williams’ vocal range) isn’t the best tune on Nurse. That honor goes to Evangelos, who interpret the dirge “Saturday Savior” as an atmospheric electro-industrial twitch with glassy piano and processed vocals. Sex Club Reject’s Depeche Mode-esque version of “Solaris” is another highlight, as is (Damn) This Desert Air’s straightforward bash through “Sergeant Politeness.” The amount of bands on this tribute simply aping Failure’s molasses tempos, grungy riffs and silvery-grey vocals can be tiring. If this album doesn’t make you an instant fan–or horrified at how many crappy radio acts poorly ripped off Failure’s sound–then you’re not listening closely enough.
(POP UP) Annie Zaleski