Artist: Nanyana

CD: Nanyana

Home: Atlanta, GA

Style: Rock/Blues/Funk

Quote: "Not overtly angry, [but] it has that oh-so-appealing rebel effect that merely enhances its originality".

By Genevieve Will

I know better, and I hope you do too, to judge a band by its cover, let alone its lead singer. Take one look at Nanyana and you’ll think “Oh man, another one of those poppy bands that thinks it’s tough because it has a hot female lead and the rest of the band is composed of guys.” Well, I’ll warn you now, don’t make this mistake. Nanyana is not only one of the most accomplished unsigned bands, but hands down one of the most impressive I’ve ever reviewed.

Nanyana, also the lead singer’s name, does have an attractive female fronting the band, but she’s not just for effect; she can belt out melodies with the best of them. Her voice has the soul of Janis Joplin’s, the viciousness of Courtney Love‘s, and the strength of Whitney Houston’s.

And the other musicians, you ask? Their sound is so unified, I can only describe it as a whole. It, like the ever-wacky Moe, escapes any genre. The bluesy guitar, very similar to Derek Trucks’, provides faultless leadership for the other instruments. However, the bass and the keyboard give the band something truly funky even the best guitar could never supply alone. Break-beat style percussion pulls the band together and lends to its remarkable agility of sound.

While Nanyana’s music is not overtly angry, it has that oh-so-appealing rebel effect that merely enhances its originality. With lyrics like “you’re just a song and dance/ I need a symphony,” you almost feel compelled to prove your worth to them rather than the usual band having to establish its merit with the listener.

Like I said, one of the most talented bands I’ve heard in way too long.

www.nanyana.com/