Artist: Nanyana

CD: Nanyana

Home: Atlanta, GA

Style: Rock/Blues/Funk

Quote: "Not overtly angry, [but] it has that oh-so-appealing rebel effect that merely enhances its originality".

By Genevieve Will

I know better, and I hope you do too, to judge a band by its cover, let alone its lead singer. Take one look at Nanyana and you�ll think �Oh man, another one of those poppy bands that thinks it�s tough because it has a hot female lead and the rest of the band is composed of guys.� Well, I�ll warn you now, don�t make this mistake. Nanyana is not only one of the most accomplished unsigned bands, but hands down one of the most impressive I�ve ever reviewed.

Nanyana, also the lead singer�s name, does have an attractive female fronting the band, but she�s not just for effect; she can belt out melodies with the best of them. Her voice has the soul of Janis Joplin�s, the viciousness of Courtney Love�s, and the strength of Whitney Houston�s.

And the other musicians, you ask? Their sound is so unified, I can only describe it as a whole. It, like the ever-wacky Moe, escapes any genre. The bluesy guitar, very similar to Derek Trucks�, provides faultless leadership for the other instruments. However, the bass and the keyboard give the band something truly funky even the best guitar could never supply alone. Break-beat style percussion pulls the band together and lends to its remarkable agility of sound.

While Nanyana�s music is not overtly angry, it has that oh-so-appealing rebel effect that merely enhances its originality. With lyrics like �you�re just a song and dance/ I need a symphony,� you almost feel compelled to prove your worth to them rather than the usual band having to establish its merit with the listener.

Like I said, one of the most talented bands I�ve heard in way too long.

www.nanyana.com/