First of all the recording quality is super. You can hear all the clicks, squeaks and buzzes behind every note, which is a very good thing because these are gifts. Nutsak is a band of unique quality. "Baby Drools Diamonds" starts you off with a swinging but edgy toe tapping mix of intricate riffs and powerful punctuation. There is a lot going on in this mix but once I took the ride one time, I couldn't get off the rocket. When "Hidden Charms" began, I was reminded of the unique personalities of Southern Culture on the Skids and the Reverend Horton Heat and their gritty approach mixed with some intelligent humor. This made a sweet cake built on a very manic recipe. "Cossak" a musical whirling dervish beating a Russian soldier to a pulp. Not my favorite track but it is full of crazy instrumental spirit that would rock any guitarist's socks off. After that quick hit and manic spasm, I was a bit bored with "May/September Blur Blues." There are some really cool risks taken inside the guitar riffs, and some nice tones, but it wasn't a favorite. "They Fucked Good Tonight" brought out my memories of Iggy and had me smitten in the first few seconds. If you have a love for real punk, this song will take you on a grand trip.

Some, including the band itself, may laugh at my comparisons, but I hear the influences of Barney Kessel, Jim Hall, John Scofield, Buddy Rich, and Gene Krupa mixed with the experimental guitar tones of Zappa, Eno and Hendrix. So many genres and styles to dissect but they are all there in a sonic explosion I felt was brave and only acceptable by those who want to hear the differences. "Innuendo Shminuendo" made me laugh just by reading the title, but both this short tune and the sweet Jazz components of "Filets D'Harengs Fumés" will wake you up quickly to listen more carefully. They stray at times, but there is always an underlying greatness that keeps you engaged. When I heard the funny and incredibly insightful “I hate everything,” I pictured a drunken lounge singer at the end of a long night of a low paying wedding gig. His mind snaps and with the charm of a handsome crooner, delivers this brilliant message to the world. Fugazi meets the Stooges in the punk slapping “Last Train to Nutsak,” which made me want to be front row pumping my fist. Their interpretation of the classic “My Favorite Things” was a perfect ending layered with such personality and unique flair as I now know only Nutsak can deliver. Pick up and listen to Failed Musician only if you are brave enough to open your ears without prejudice. I recommend bravery.