Showbread - No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical

Reviewed by Greg Sammons

There's been a fair bit of mainstream press interest shown in this band (Kerrang, Metal Hammer, et al) and it's easy to see why. They have a recognisable image, an interesting sound but within the popular emo mould, and have both youth and experience on their side. And upon chatting to the band and listening to this album I've got to say they deserve every bit of praise they get. They are musically very talented and have the experience of previously being a praise and worship band at their local church, that is until the church felt their music was demonic (ie, heavy)! And perhaps it is this background that allows this recording to be one of the most overtly Christian releases on Tooth & Nail at the moment. The subject matter tackled in these songs will both be familiar and helpful. The scope of musical styles included is impressive by itself but all are met in equal quality from the acoustic reflective ballads to the screamo/hardcore moments in other tracks. Standout tracks include the opener, "A Llama Eats A Giraffe", their lead single "Mouth Like A Magazine" and "So Selfish It's Funny" but the whole album fits together so well that it's better to hear it in its entirety than select particular tracks. This is an album that was made for just the right time and should trigger a fruitful future for these seven (yes, seven!) lads from Georgia, USA.