Nigel & the Dropout

Scattered across the vivid, kaleidoscopic tapestry that is the contemporary Detroit music scene, you’ll find groups that fit (however crudely) into the Big Genres: rock, punk, electronic, indie, etc. More often, you’ll encounter groups that really don’t have any clear genre to pair with. And they’re more memorable for that very reason. Nigel & the Dropout is an upfront example of what it means to exist outside of the genre, and why that’s the best thing possible in live music today.

detroitmusicmag.com

Nigel & the Dropout is a two-piece powerhouse. The ferocity and volume of their music together make up one the most electric and exciting features of their shows. But it doesn’t start that way. Each song has a calculated and melodic build-up, with lights, pop, and the occasional dramatic tempo shift. The force and dynamics of their onstage presence are really impressive — even more impressive is the control they exert over such a massive sound.

nigelthedropout.bandcamp.com

Any musician knows how important such techniques are to their craft; Nigel & the Dropout is no exception. They’re able to sustain that constant movement — a guaranteed strategy to keep your music interesting. The music is poppy, electronic, with guitar fuzz and vocal reverb; sometimes speedy, always steady. Driving. It has rapid crescendos and mellow downturns. And there’s constant tradeoff between the two extremes. They’re one of the most multi-dimensional groups I’ve seen in a long time. If Nigel & the Dropout is any indication of the state of music in Detroit in 2016, rejoice, and be proud.

If anything, you really should sit down and listen to them. It’s great hard-hitting, heady electronic music, sure to make you smile. Their latest album, Folderol, along with the rest of their discography, is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and SoundCloud.

soundcloud.com