Do Nothing - “Nerve"

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…The Strokes, Primus, The Dirty Projectors

Post-punk/indie-rock band Do Nothing continued to hone their eclectic, groove-oriented sound on debut full-length Snake Sideways, released last year. Odd melodies intersperse with a full vocal croon on Snake Sideways, somehow combining dissonant moments with an overall breezy, borderline cinematic sound. It’s a unique contribution to the loose genre of post-punk, even dipping into Southern rock, funk, and soul ideas throughout the rewardingly diverse record. While a fusion band by definition, Do Nothing’s music is surprisingly accessible and even catchy at points, a feat for a group that refuses to paint by any expected numbers. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Jangly, post-punk guitars lead Do Nothing’s early sound, proggy melodies forming a cool bounce to the UK band’s naturally rhythmic performance. More art-rock than garage heavies, tracks like “Gangs” and infectious highlight “LeBron James” are loosely delivered without ever falling apart, forming melodic tension that doesn’t quit from pole to pole. Quivering vocals and instrumentation play together in interesting ways too, like constantly passing ideas back and forth between members in threaded lockstep.