Nerf Herder's "My EP" -- This Time They're Doing It In the Butt!

With all the rock star attitudes out there in music today, one can really get into a band that knows better than to take themselves all that seriously. A band that isn't doing it for the money because, let's face it, they're not rolling in dough. A band that can write a good song about whackin' it. Look no further... you can get all that and more in one band... Nerf Herder.

Even those who aren't familiar with the group by name has certainly heard one of their most famous works... these guys wrote the Buffy the Vampire Slayer theme (for the TV series, that is). The band however, dates all the way back to 1994. "My EP," a powerful seven-song disc, is their third label release (they've also self-released a couple discs for the heck of it), and a good time all around.

If you've ever thought you're stupid, all you have to do is think back to those high school days and remember what a moron you were way back then. Nerf Herder does just that in "High School." Musically, it's a slower number for the group, with Steve (aka "the Cougar," who is a powerful drummer) getting to kick back for a bit. The guitar does have some rock ballad solos, which are a good source of amusement, but most of the laughs here are certainly coming from the lyrics.

If you ask her out and she says, "maybe..."
What she really means is "no way"
And if you try jerking off behind the backstop,
The team will be playing that day.
These are the things I wish I knew
These are the things I wish I knew in high school.

"The Sportsman Bar" sings of a bar which is less than ideal... the pretzels are from 1982, and the sodas taste like rust. The song starts out with an emotional tinge, as Perry (the singer) croons about the bar over a single, softly strumming guitar. However, the song soon kicks into full gear, and we learn about all the lovely little quirks that make this bar.. well, a bit less than lovely. The other half (an even bigger fan than I am) encouraged us to track down this bar when we were in Santa Barbara (the band's home town), and upon finding it, suggested that perhaps we should return that evening for a drink. I replied, "um, have you LISTENED to the song?"

My personal favorite is the only song I've ever heard about stickin' it in a stocking, appropriately titled "I've Got a Boner for Christmas." The song was originally on the self-released "High Voltage Christmas Rock" release, and I guess it was just too good to stay semi-underground. The guitar packs out a lot of one-punch chords, with the other instrumentals kickin' in for the chorus. There's also a nice little bridge part midway through, with some "oh"-ing to give it a nice spiritual feel. Of course, as always, the lyrics are the real gem here:

Cranberry sauce, green beans and muffins
You be the turkey, I'll do the stuffin',
I've got a boner for Christmas.

For most NH fans, however, the gem of the disc is the often requested "Love Sandwich," which is all about, well... what it sounds like. The song has a harder, more polished rock sound to it than we're used to from the group, with a distorted bass line which, if done seriously, could put many a nu-metal band to shame. Done live, Parry often asks for volunteers to um... participate in some on-stage sandwich making (fully clothed, mine you). The best part?

Girl sometimes you're hungry
You want something to eat
You don't want no little salad
Yes you want a lot of meat
Let me tell you 'bout
The funky love sandwich
Me and Steve are the bread,
And you're the meat, b*tch!

Lots of lyrics yes, but that's really what we're here for. Think of it as a rock 'n roll band seasoned with a dash of Weird Al, and a good vibe. Fans of the witty aspect of the Bloodhound Gang may want to check these guys out (hell, TBG even had them as openers on their 2000 tour). Keep this one in mind come the holiday season (to fill someone's stocking with a little more than just man meat)!