Chicago-based grunge rockers Neurotix recently dropped Save Me, a collection of 10-tracks full of visceral energy recorded without sonic cleansing.
Singer-songwriter-frontman Dom Tonozzi, after a decade break from music, woke up one day and decided to start a band. He contacted drummer Dave Reisig about jamming. Reisig showed up with his kit and a bass guitar player. Guitarist Paul Rhyne answered an online ad placed by Tonozzi. Later, the band added a permanent bassist, Carlo Tomayo, whose virtuosity on the bass raised the band’s sound to new heights.
After releasing a series of singles, Neurotix dropped their debut album Save Me on September 8.
As Tonozzi says, “Turning life’s feelings and emotions into music is a rush, and finding a connection with fans through those feelings, similarities and emotions is the goal. I hope you can relate to and enjoy our music as much as we do! There’re only a few things you can leave in this world when you die, and I am no inventor, so my only shot is Music. Music is forever.”
Opening with “Service Me,” a raw gritty rock number reminiscent of Nirvana, Neurotix struts their stuff immediately. Dirty guitars, Jovian drums, and Tonozzi’s angst-infused vocals finance potent bleeding energy.
Highlights on the album include the aforementioned “Service Me,” as well as “Pumpkin Seeds,” which exudes dark, enflamed colors akin to supercharged sonic bedlam. I love the discordant wail of the lead guitar, imbuing the tune with tight tense actinic flavors. “Bad Night” thrums with punk-laced dynamics and muscular grunge momentum, aching and uncooked, like raw meat in a Barbarian burger. Tonozzi’s voice rips the atmosphere with raging coloration.
On “Drives Me Crazy,” Tonozzi’s voice takes on a David Byrne-like inflection, which, in combination with the muddy guitars imbues the tune with what I call new-wave-grunge flavors, muddy as hell and chafing, like road-rash. “Girl On The Street” is pure, unadulterated grimy grunge galloping forward with crazy punk-like oomph.
“Loser” starts off with an austere riff, followed by a powerful Bonzo-like shuffle of drums. As the bassline and guitars kick in, the music ramps up with reckless ferocity.
Save Me is a strong album, packing a weighty punch atop primal energy. If you’re into elemental music devoid of sonic manipulation, intense and gut-wrenching, then Neurotix is just what the doctor ordered.
