Nebülith – Feel Good Music for the End of the World Vol. 1

One Listen Review

1st Listen 21 Aug 24
Reviewed 23 Aug 24

Self – Released

Released 23 Aug 24

Feel Good Music for the End of the World Vol. 1 is a self-released album borne out of the pandemic, recorded solely by multi-instrumentalist John Shaughnessy, released under the far more metal moniker Nebülith.

It is almost an hour of doomy, stoner metal with huge swathes of psychedelia thrown into the mix and, as you listen to all 9 tracks, you will clearly hear various influences across the songs. You want a bit of Fu Manchu, you got it, QoTSA, you got it, Monster Magnet, check, Smashing Pumpkins, yes, why not! Perhaps the most surprising is the Air influence in ‘Clear Light’.

The result is an album that doesn’t allow itself to develop a clear sense of identity. It doesn’t flow and despite the obvious talents of Shaughnessy, Feel Good Music for the End of the World Vol. 1 ultimately lets itself down.

That said, there are some sterling moments. Opening track, ‘Beautiful’, has an introductory riff reminiscent of Rubber Room by 90’s Britrock band Pulkas that immediately settles you into the album. It’s then

followed by the fuzz-laden riff in ‘Startrippin’, a track with a far more spacey aura about it, driven by a proper stoner groove.

Another strong track is ‘God is Your Gun’, with an energetic fuzzy riff. This is also the track where the vocals of Shaughnessy sit properly in the track. Almost Billy Corgan like, his vocals have a nasally twang that takes a bit of getting used to throughout the album. A master of many instruments he may be, but for the next Nebülith album, a full-time vocalist is required, as it is by far the weakest aspect of the album.

Feel Good Music for the End of the World Vol. 1 is a confusing album in that it isn’t an unenjoyable listen. But its lack of identity and weak vocals will hinder repeat listens. Fix this for the next album and Nebülith may be on to a winner, but for now it just falls short.