“The Nerd Parade, comprised of Randy Garcia, John Jacobus, Rich Wilson, Buddy Buttram and Abby Wren, offer up a debut full of smart, dancey, kinetic, electronica-laden indie-pop. From the first track, the record is instantly hypnotic and engaging as a computerized voice speaks the first sinister words over industrial soundscapes. But before things get too dismal, the vocals of Garcia and Wren gleefully announce, “No one’s listening to your shit,” and seconds later the listener is immersed in a full-on electronic dance party.

Thankfully, The Nerd Parade isn’t just a one-trick pony. The lyrics are clever, but in a goofy, underhanded sort of way: “No man is an island ‘less he’s drowning in a pool … If you want to hold ‘em you should try to shoot the moon / I know just when to fold ‘em like that Kenny Rogers’ tune.” And the music isn’t made up of just infectious dance tunes. A Delicate Bashing also contains soulful R&B slow jams, sleepy indie ballads, a good dose of ’80s synth rock and hooks that cover all the important genres.

And while The Nerd Parade has some decidedly art-rock leanings, even that label would be a bit premature. What’s truly amazing is how unpredictable and dynamic the album sounds.

The Nerd Parade’s well-researched romp through indie-pop’s stylistic catalogue lends A Delicate Bashing more of a solid footing rather than a branding of “pretentious.” Though having been recorded in various garages, bedroom and hotels during the course of four years, the lo-fi sound is almost non-existent. The best tracks on A Delicate Bashing would have to be “A Picturesque Sunday,” “Kenny Rogers Tune,” and “Crude Polygonal Space Fighters,” which sounds like a lost Radiohead track. This record is the one to take with you everywhere you go. (Headphone Treats Records)”

(PERFORMER MAGAZINE)