Having been kicking it for over three decades The Nomads have just dropped their latest offering in my lap via the ever reliable Devils Jukebox label, and what a mightily impressive offering it is too.  'Solna' is possibly the most rounded and impressive offering thus far from Sweden's premier garage rock outfit.  

Kicking off with a barnstormer  'Miles Away,' which is also the lead single, it comes with a meaty yet vibrant riff carried on a great beat and catchy hook on the chant along chorus. The Nomads have certainly lost none of their bite and if rockin' is indeed their business, then man, business is most definitely good.  'Hangman's Walk' has a jerkin riff and just shows that the guys still have a great ear for a toe tapping tune shot through with a cool melody. One thing you notice from repeatedly playing this album is the high quality of the songwriting with spades of catchy tunes all achieved whilst maintaining that unmistakable Nomads style.  

Over the years The Nomads have managed to influence many, and have also been influenced by many of the greats in return (The Stooges, MC5 and even bands like the Kinks and Who spring to mind here) but they have always managed to keep things fresh and once again there is a great sense of freshness about 'Solna'.  I think it's safe to say that The Hives, Gluecifer and The Hellacopters have all been influenced by The Nomads and with tracks such as 'The Bad Times Will Do Me Good' it's easy to see why bands would find The Nomads so appealing.  The pace is changed slightly for 'You Wont Break My Heart' with its breezy beat and a chorus to die for (this song deserves to be a hit across the globe).

With eleven tracks on offer on the CD you also have the Vinyl only inclusion of bonus track 'Fine Fine Fine' as well as the flipside to the lead single 'Miles Away' featuring the one and only Handsome Dick Manitoba.  It's worth investing in the lot though - the CD, the vinyl and the single because it's a joy to hear such a good band on such good form.  Take '20 000 Miles' with it's haunting melody and contrast that with the straight ahead New York punk rock of 'American Slang' then throw in the 60's beat inspired garage pop of 'Make Up My Mind' and you have a pretty complete album that deserves the tag of all killer and no filler.  'Solna' really is a veritable feast of hard-edged riffing and perfect melody that all goes to make it one hell of a killer album.

If you've not come across The Nomads before well here's your chance to get in on a great band knocking out fantastic songs just for the fun of it, and what's more they've put them all on the one album. Just check out 'Trying Too Hard' for starters and then ask yourself "where have you been all this time?"  It's never too late to get into your new favourite Swedish band and 'Solna' is the perfect place to start.  

Great band - Great album - Simples!

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To pick up your copy of 'Solna' - CLICK HERE