Nursing Home

iTunes Review

Recorded in Chicago by Steve Albini, Nursing Home, the second album from London “lo-fi” trio, Let’s Wrestle, upgrades the sound, but there’s still plenty of rawness to go around. Singer-guitarist Wesley Patrick Gonzalez is at the top of the mix snapping off lyrics that make your head turn, while the group’s tough barrage settles into the background as grumpy as ever, but with a clarity that allows the drums to snap. Comparisons to Jonathan Richman, Art Brut and the Wedding Present are inevitable; however, Gonzalez’ wit is his own. “All I ever really worry about is feeling outtasite!” he tells us on “In The Suburbs,” a tune Jonathan Richman could cover. Gonazales also tells us what happens in his dreams to Queen Victoria during “In Dreams, Pt. II.” “I’m So Lazy” is an anthem to inertia. His fantasy is to discover “There’s a Rockstar In My Room.” “I Am Useful” is his idea of a twisted self-empowerment anthem. There is no shortage of ideas on this impressive second album.