NICK 13 – S/T

Taking a look back at Tiger Army‘s discography, it’s easy to see the love lead singer/guitarist Nick 13 has for roots Americana and traditional country and rockabilly. Cuts like “Outlaw Heart” on their self-titled debut full-length and “In The Orchard” off of Tiger Army II : Power of Moonlight spotlights Nick’s ability to shed that psychobilly sound in place for a more mellow laid back classic country twang tone.


With his self-titled debut solo album, Nick 13 takes the route taken by other punk rock vocalists like Bad Religion‘s Greg Graffin and Avail’s Tim Barry by releasing a collection of stripped-down ballads and singer-songwriter material. Nick’s voice is something I’ve admired throughout the Tiger Army years, but hearing his voice used solely in material like this really takes it to a new level. While sounding quite traditional in his vocal approach, there’s something amazingly unique to the sound, even haunting to some extent. Most of the songs here feature Nick on acoustic guitar and vocals with a backing band playing pedal steel guitar, including the bass-driven track “All Alone.” One of the few tracks to feature electric guitar, “101,” tells the story of leaving a small sleepy town in search for the big city life — a story I can only guess is reflective of Nick’s past life living in Ukiah, California (where Highway 101 runs right through the town).

Nick also covers a few Tiger Army cuts, “In The Orchard” and “Cupids Victim.” Both are stripped-down and given the traditional roots Americana treatment. This album is going to turn some heads and make those not familiar with Nick 13′s past contributions to Tiger Army take notice, especially since this album has been released on Sugar Hill Records — a mainly Americana and bluegrass label.

Mark my words, Nick 13 will become a heavy hitter in the alternative country arena if he continues down this solo path.

(Sugar Hill Records, no address provided)