Search - Showbread :: Nervosa

Blown Away

Joel Lux | Santa Rosa, CA | 05/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I went into Anorexia Nervosa not knowing what to think, having both enjoyed and been disappointed by their last effort, Age Of Reptiles (it was really good, but not at all what I expected, what with having little to no screaming in it). So imagine my surprise when I pick this up, and I am floored by the diversity.



Maybe it is too soon for me to be reviewing these 2, but I can't choose which I like better.



First and foremost are the stories. The stories are wonderfully told, and beautiful. Aside from several typos in the booklet, it is simply amazing to read such well thought out, poignant prose. Reading it along with the music makes it all the more effective, although I haven't gotten the chance to really do so all the way through in one sitting as of yet.



The music is incredibly diverse while sounding like a true Showbread album. The sounds bounce back and forth at an alarming rate, all while never sounding forced, while sounding natural.



As a huge Reese Roper fan, the last song on Nervosa is a great addition. But above and beyond being an RR fan, the song itself is just good, and a good end to a good album.



To find such a complete, well thought out package is amazing. To have it be this good is even better."

A Unique and Sensitive Concept Album

Media Lover | 01/14/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard "Showbread" before this Christmas. I received "Age of Reptiles" as a present, and quickly fell in love with it. The songs were catchy, the lyrics were quirky and meaningful and the overall flow and pacing was simply incredible. So, naturally, having loved AoR so much, I grabbed another album.



Now, I'm aware that "Nervosa" is the second part of a series, but it was the only one I could find... Really, it doesn't throw anything off. That being said, it is a HUGE change of pace from "Age of Reptiles." It's themes range from teenage pregnancy, animal cruelty, rape, hedonism, and ultimately a very graphic (and moving) representation of Christ's redeeming love. I won't say this album is for everyone (in fact, it's very like the soundtrack to an R rated "Christian" musical set in the world of "Blade Runner" or even "Jabba's Palace" from "Return of the Jedi."



Bits of this epic are incredibly disturbing, sad and even shocking. ALL OF THAT BEING SAID... If you are, in fact, willing to take this album seriously enough... You will find INCREDIBLE messages within. The sacrifice of the spotless lamb, the redemption of the whore, the hope of eternity for the life of Nervosa's child, the obviously disgusting portrayal of sinful humanity, etc.



WHAT THIS ALBUM IS:

An amazing and brutal peek into the rebellion of humanity and the loving intent of it's Creator... God. It's a moving and often highly disturbing tribute to the sacrifice of Christ.



WHAT THIS ALBUM IS NOT:

A good casual listen that you'll replay often. The lyrics and themes presented here make Underoath's "Lost in the Sound of Separation" feel like a Sunday morning chapel service. I really respect the artists for creating something SO INCREDIBLY counter cultural... but at the same time, I think they've created a true beast that only the most dedicated listeners will get anything out of (except for perhaps a headache and slight confusion.)



BOTTOM LINE

Buy this to experience it, or not at all. It's a sad and beautiful tale that packs a similar emotional punch to an R rated movie filled with Christian messages."