REVIEW: Nickelback, The State (Roadrunner)
- Scott Hudson
When Nickelback independently released The State in January, 1999, through their own label, it was well received in their native Canada. Their leadoff single, "Leader of Men," went top-twenty on the Canadian rock charts and the record companies began hovering like hungry vultures. The band eventually inked a deal with Roadrunner Records.
After listening to the The State, one can only wonder if the people at Roadrunner had done the same or were they simply blinded by the hype surrounding "Leader of Men?"
Nickelback is nothing more than a Canadian version of Bush, although less cryptic lyrically. Chad Kroeger's vocals are an almost perfect imitation of the raspy-throated Gavin Rossdale, with a pinch of Kurt Cobain thrown in for good measure.
The State is an energetic record but it isn't energy that sustains a record. Sometimes it helps to have good songs, and The State boasts only three (and "Leader of Men" isn't one them). "Old Enough," "Diggin' This" and "Breathe" are good tunes full of energy and aggression, however, the other 75 percent of the record consists of tunes that seem aimless and uninspired.
Although Nickelback has certainly made a splash in Canada, it will take more than The State has to offer to make any noise south of the border. With a lot of creative tweaking they may have a chance, without it they'll continue to be a big fish in a very small pond.
