Hello reader,
Ready for some more music coverage?
Today, we’re excited to shed some spotlight on another artist who is making some great music: NODEGA. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because NODEGA is the alter-ego project of the band BODEGA, a popular Brooklyn-based art rock group that Josh interviewed last April, which coincided with the release of their album Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, a reference to one of my favorite music history books Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981–1991 about an era that has been near and dear to my heart since reading it. A book that was the subject of one of SWT’s very first posts. It was vastly influential in defining my music tastes, as well as those of countless others; perhaps not surprising, given that our site took its name from Replacements lyrics.
Why NODEGA? Guitarist and vocalist Ben Hozie said, “Last year BODEGA released a record called Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, which was mostly a concept album about the corporatization of ‘indie’ rock. While working on that record, I revisited many of the classic American indie bands (Dinosaur Jr., Pavement, Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, etc.) and was reminded that all of those bands have a deep connection to the ’80-’84 hardcore boom in the U.S. It’s somewhat similar to the UK skiffle youth boom of 1957 that directly led to the British Invasion of the ’60s. For better or worse, much of what is called ‘indie’ today has no real connection to an underground, anti-status quo mindset and is more associated with easy listening folk-pop.” All those bands are worth your time, especially if you’ve never listened to them before.
He continues, “Regardless of this pop history, I was surprised to realize how much I still adored a lot of the hardcore, skate punk, and thrash records I devoured as a teenager. I started to hear hardcore not just as cathartic anti-capitalist folk art but also as the logical extension of 50’s rock and roll (i.e., bratty teenage music played fast and loud) and was yearning to thrash towards a state of bratty beatitude. This mini-album was an attempt to liberate the wisdom, stupidity, and joy of the teenage state of mind. The teenager despises discussions about ‘Monthly Followers’ and Web 2.0 B(r)adding, and they don’t prance through imaginary mental hoops to justify ignoring the ills of the meat industry or the current state-sponsored genocide. They just say ‘No.’”
NODEGA is a quintet comprised of NODEGA BEN (Vocals, Guitar), Agent Ryan (guitar), CCII (drums), The Professor (bass guitar), and Dead Kitty (Vocals, Percussion). And recently, on Friday, July 18th, they released a thrash-punk collection of songs, Rot in Helvetica EP.
I’m a fan of the entire EP. Rot in Helvetica EP is not a copycat trying to be a band from the past; it’s their own thing. Listening will take you back in time as multiple songs really bring the power chords and frantic pace of many releases I’ve heard from the early 80s. NODEGA does punk well, not only in terms of melody and instrumentation, from the drums to the abrasive yet beautiful guitars, but also in their ethos; the lyrics are well-crafted and stick with you as they bite with critiques of establishments and current events. The vocals are also strong within the EP. I think the best punk of any era, from the protopunk of the ’70s to present, has powerful statements that are anthemic. There’s really not a bad song. Listen for yourself.
Looking a little further into Rot in Helvetica EP, one of the best songs in SWT’s opinion is the titular song, “Rot in Helvetica.” That’s the single that we’re going to spotlight today and serve as your introduction to NODEGA. We’re so stoked to share “Rot in Helvetica” with you. It’s a powerful song that comes out of the gate with an impassioned guitar. The pace of the lead guitar is beautiful and controlled, yet frenzied in the best ways, and carries through to the final note, even though a slight melodic shift. All of this is perfect for the punk genre, in my opinion, and sounds excellent overall, regardless of the genre or preconceptions about it. The dual vocals of NODEGA BEN and Dead Kitty are also a treat to the ears, especially Dead Kitty’s vocal delivery, tone, and passion. Her voice and the way she delivers her lyrics in this song evoke some of the great female vocalists of the 1970s and 1980s punk scene. The lyrics explore disdain for Capitalism, and those in power rise to the occasion again without seeming tired or repetitive. The song is a fantastic, fresh take. And one I’m happy to see in 2025.
Let’s take a listen.
The visualiser for the song, “Rot in Helvetica” from NODEGA’s YouTube channel:
(All credits and rights to NODEGA)
The cover art for the Rot in Helvetica EP:
The Rot in Helvetica EP Track list:
- Monthly Follower
- Quantify
- Guess What
- Rot In Helvetica
- Comatose Chameleon
- Network
- Show the Scaffolding
- Gestation Crate
You can follow and listen to NODEGA (and BODEGA) at the following links:
- Their fantastic website: bodega-band.com/
- YouTube: BODEGA NYC – YouTube
- Instagram: instagram.com/bodegabk
- Bandcamp: bodegabk.bandcamp.com/music
- Spotify: BODEGA | Spotify
- Facebook: facebook.com/BODEGABK/
- Apple Music: BODEGA – Apple Music
Check out the band on tour:
7/24 – Bristol, UK @ Trinity Centre/The Den
7/25 – Southampton, UK @ Papillon
7/26 – Bedford, UK @ Esquires
7/27 – Thirsk, UK @ Deer Shed Festival
8/2 – London, UK @ Shacklewell Arms [SOLD OUT]
9/22 – Montreal, QC @ MTelus w/ Viagra Boys
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
