"Breathtaking... power-trio rock that gets more psychedelic by the month, [Nebula are] perhaps the
subgenre's most imaginative musicians." - GQ
As the decade comes to a turbulent close, a nation cries out for leadership and direction. Thankfully, at this penultimate moment of the 20th century, Nebula have arrived to guide us all...To The Center.
Captured in all its glory by producer Jack Endino, To The Center is the group's Sub Pop debut and first full-length album, embracing every aspect of their sweat-soaked live shows. Comprised of singer/guitarist Eddie Glass, bassist Mark Abshire, and drummer Ruben Romano, Nebula effortlessly segue from synapse-frying electric blues, to vistas of blissful reflection.
Friends since high school, Abshire and Romano were instrumental in the formation of stoner-rock trailblazers Fu Manchu. After hooking up with Glass (ex-Olivelawn) in a later incarnation of that band, the trio set out on their own in 1997, almost instantaneously acquiring a passionate fanbase in their hometown of Los Angeles.
It's easy to see what captured the concert-goers' imaginations: Spinning epic tales of astral planes, the frighteningly thin Glass slings his guitar about his body with complete and utter abandon, as Romano's diesel-powered drumming threatens to send his kit flying off the stage. In stark contrast, Abshire tends to let his companions steal the spotlight, choosing instead to lay down bass-lines as thick and gooey as rubber cement.
While such tracks as "What You're Looking For" and "Come Down" provide the expected surge of volume and energy, To The Center finds the band branching into previously unexplored realms, adding acoustic guitars and sitars to the ethereal "Freedom," and Moog synthesizer to "Synthetic Dream."
Furthermore, Nebula's cover of the Stooges classic "I Need Somebody" boasts growling lead vocals from former Mudhoney vocalist Mark Arm. (Staunch Nebula fans, Mudhoney brought the band out on the road with them on their last-ever tour of the States. Nebula have also shared bills with Nashville Pussy and Unida.)
To The Center is an album that channels the purity and aggression of an age thought long-lost, executed with the no-bullshit gusto of the '90s. Primal, groove-heavy and addictive, here is a group to provide you with that dose of rock 'n' roll you've needed for far too long.
The tour dates:
2000
November 24 - Melbourne, Corner Hotel
November 25 - Sydney, Annandale Hotel
November 26 - Sydney, Annandale Hotel
2002
September 19 - Wollongong, Wollongong University
September 20 - Newcastle, Bar On The Hill @ Newcastle University
September 21 - Sydney, Annandale Hotel
September 22 - Melbourne, Corner Hotel
September 23 - Melbourne, Tote Hotel
September 27 - Adelaide, Tivoli
September 28 - Surfers Paradise, Rose & Crown
September 29 - Brisbane, Gabba Hotel
September 30 - Byron Bay, Great Northern Hotel
