The work of Nick Bertling has been covered across the site during our existence. Firstly as a drummer and then as an engineer and producer of note/. Bertling Noise Laboratories was born out of his desire to produce his own music and produced similarly excellent results.
For Process And Contact, he enlists the help of musicians he has worked with including his long association with Andy Bopp, a particular favourite amongst IDHAS followers, Fernando Perdomo, Lindsay Murray of Gretchen's Wheel, Love Nut's Max Mueller, Dolph Chaney, Jim Trainor and Vapour Trails.
Essentially a Pop Rock album and at times very 70s, the material suits Bertling's vocal, it straddles Classic Rock, Singer Songwriter land. It is also built on the Guitar solos of the guests and these add perfectly to the arrangements.
The stand out song is actually prime time Power Pop, the jaw dropping There Was A Thing. It is an absolute beauty. But The Things We Lost gets all Classic Rock and becomes a real rock out. But there is also gentleness present. If Ever is a big closing ballad, a little Bacharach, a little maudlin, it balances what has gone before beautifully.
There are many other highlights. A New Day is very Robbie Williamss and Guy Chambers. The arrangement on We She Comes To Town is a reminder of the big Pop Rock numbers that were joyous in the 70s. The Heckler is real Storytelling.
Falling Apart is very Todd Rundgren and at other times, there is more than a little Andrew Gold vibe. Process And Contact is a crackerjack of an album and a definite statement that Nick Bertling should spend more time up front, rather than behind a desk.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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