This review covers the alternative rock track Nerf Herder – Mr. Spock.
This track was released in 2002 on the album American Cheese.
The track starts with a guitar. The lead guitars and drum kit join in after along with a synthesizer. These added elements except the drum kit then drop out as the main vocals join the track.
When the lead guitars rejoin the track, the main vocals take the track into the main chorus. Backup vocals also join in.
Many elements drop out as the vocals go into the next verse. Added effects are thrown in. After that, the track goes back into the main chorus. This main chorus is extended somewhat. An instrumental section then caps off that section.
Shortly after, the main vocals return. After a bit, they take the track into the main chorus again. The main chorus is extended a bit. After that, the lead guitars lead the track out.
This track obviously has loads of references to Star Trek – The Original Series. This is, of course, apparent with the title. The lyrics really is almost nothing but talking about and more or less glorifying the fictional character of Mr. Spock. This has pros and cons. On the pro side, the light comedic effect in this track really helps give it is own charm. The con, however, is that this track would also be limited to Star Trek fans. So, it has its limitations.
One thing I do like about this track is the use of the synthesizer. At the beginning, when it was present, it really helped elevate the track by offering a nice dynamic sound. The problem is that it only really appears in the beginning. As a result, it seems like it was underutilized. It really could have appeared in other places in the track, but it never really does.
As for the vocals, I thought they worked well. They really helped give this track a real nerd-like sound. As a result, it really elevates the themes of the track nicely. So, I think they work very well here.
The guitars also work quite well. They push the track when they need to and pull back nicely when they have to. So, they really work well to help give a nice overall sound to the track.
Overall, there are plenty of positives to go around in this track. It has a nice, if underutilized, synthesizer at the beginning. The vocals work quite well and the guitars work quite well. Probably the only thing holding this track back is the fact that the themes might limit the potential audience this track can reach to a degree. Still, it’s a very solid track worth listening to in my view.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
