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The Nude Party Look Who’s Back

Posted by on February 4, 2026 at 8:12 am

By Brian Rock

The Nude Party continue their chameleon-like evolution on their fourth album, Look Who’s Back. Originally incarnating as a Velvet Underground inspired garage band with heavy psychedelic influences, the band has now morphed into an alt-country unit. Like the Rolling Stones transformation from Their Satanic Majesty’s Request to Beggar’s Banquet, the band maintains their swagger and rough around the edges persona but pays a sincere tribute to American roots styles.

“Sweetheart of the Radio,” is a loving tribute to the Byrd’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Complete with harmonica and pedal steel, the song is an homage to another iconic rock and roll band that defied convention by going country. Singing, “Driving with an empty load but this heart’s too heavy to haul. Searching for a station. I’m waiting to hear her call;” guitarist and vocalist Shaun Couture is yearning for a style of music that’s been displaced by trends and music executives. Searching for something authentic and lasting, not cosmetic and trendy; Couture and bandmates are playing the very music they’re seeking. Bakersfield rhythms accentuated by barroom piano and pedal steel revive classic tones that live, “inside my speaker where I can’t reach her.” But as long as we carry that spirit in our hearts, “She follows wherever I’m bound.”

“Look Who’s Back,” continues the country vibes with a nod to their Velvet Underground inspired roots. Describing fair-weather friends and lovers, Patton Magee, the band’s other vocalist and guitarist sings, “When I was down, I looked around and baby you were nowhere to be found.” Channeling Lou Reed’s talking blues vocal style he completes the story: “You heard I found a penny in my pocket. That’s got my picture back in your locket.”  The pedal steel and background vocals point a haunting, accusatory finger at Magee’s faithless friend. “Walk That Walk,” is an alt-country admonition to let your actions match your words. “Love Is Electric,” is a telecaster-tinged celebration of love. “Honey for the Barflies,” and “Taking Hangers off the Line,” tap into the barroom Rock of Faces, with a twist of outlaw country. “Not That Bad,” rings with cosmic cowboy tones. The band ventures south of the border for the salsa seasoned rhythms of, “Juarez.” And they return to full throttle rock and roll on, “Carolyn.”  It’s always fascinating to watch a band step out in a new direction. It’s even more rewarding when the band succeeds and grows with that step. “Look Who’s Back,” is a very successful next step for The Nude Party.

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Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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