The Nickel Slots
Sacramento, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"The band members’ seemingly disparate tastes—everything fro punk and metal to Irish folk music, pop and classic country—are distilled into a pure, joyfully rowdy mix of country and rock." — Rachel Leibrock - The Sacramento Bee
"The band members’ seemingly disparate tastes—everything fro punk and metal to Irish folk music, pop and classic country—are distilled into a pure, joyfully rowdy mix of country and rock." — Rachel Leibrock - The Sacramento Bee
"Led by Tony Brusca, this group of local music-scene veterans produces guitar-heavy roots rock you can dance to. Yet Brusca’s lyrics are less party-down than singer-songwriter contemplative, making for an intriguing combination." — Carla Meyer - The Sacramento Bee
"Led by Tony Brusca, this group of local music-scene veterans produces guitar-heavy roots rock you can dance to. Yet Brusca’s lyrics are less party-down than singer-songwriter contemplative, making for an intriguing combination." — Carla Meyer - The Sacramento Bee
"Now, at the very end of '09, and with a sublime self-titled album, they are still entitled to a top rating in an already closed end-of-the-year-list…With thirteen songs on the disc, any DJ from any country / roots or alternative rock station will find himself satisfied."
— translated from a review in Dutch by François (Swa) Braeken - Rootsville.be (now defunct)
"Now, at the very end of '09, and with a sublime self-titled album, they are still entitled to a top rating in an already closed end-of-the-year-list…With thirteen songs on the disc, any DJ from any country / roots or alternative rock station will find himself satisfied."
— translated from a review in Dutch by François (Swa) Braeken - Rootsville.be (now defunct)
"The Nickel Slots’ first full-length release is a reminder of how great country music can be when it's not full of clichés about loving your country and hating your exes. Each song on the 13-track self-titled album is an Americana gem. From the infectious and upbeat “Lucky Number 7s,” which has an almost Irish folk-punk feel a la Flogging Molly, to the slower and sappier “Evolution,” the sound is polished with just the right amount of guitar-driven rock and catchy hooks to land the album on both country and alternative rock stations. Together the talented four have released an album that will have you singing along before you can even protest, “But I don't like country music!" — Laura Winn - Sacramento Rock Music Examiner
"The Nickel Slots’ first full-length release is a reminder of how great country music can be when it's not full of clichés about loving your country and hating your exes. Each song on the 13-track self-titled album is an Americana gem. From the infectious and upbeat “Lucky Number 7s,” which has an almost Irish folk-punk feel a la Flogging Molly, to the slower and sappier “Evolution,” the sound is polished with just the right amount of guitar-driven rock and catchy hooks to land the album on both country and alternative rock stations. Together the talented four have released an album that will have you singing along before you can even protest, “But I don't like country music!" — Laura Winn - Sacramento Rock Music Examiner
"And proud of it they should be. Their self-titled debut is a well-crafted slice of good old-fashioned alt-country Americana that shines through in their recording…A good sound engineer is essential, but the musicianship of these four guys is what really makes the songs come to life." — Adam Saake - Submerge Magazine
"And proud of it they should be. Their self-titled debut is a well-crafted slice of good old-fashioned alt-country Americana that shines through in their recording…A good sound engineer is essential, but the musicianship of these four guys is what really makes the songs come to life." — Adam Saake - Submerge Magazine
"The 4th of July has passed, but Sacramento’s The Nickel Slots have a belated Independence Day gift for fans of American music. Formed in 2008, the four-piece alt-country band is ready to release their second album in just about three years. Five Miles Gone, The Nickel Slots’ sophomore effort, is due for a July 15 release and will make a serious bid to be the soundtrack of your summer." — James Barone - Submerge Magazine
"The 4th of July has passed, but Sacramento’s The Nickel Slots have a belated Independence Day gift for fans of American music. Formed in 2008, the four-piece alt-country band is ready to release their second album in just about three years. Five Miles Gone, The Nickel Slots’ sophomore effort, is due for a July 15 release and will make a serious bid to be the soundtrack of your summer." — James Barone - Submerge Magazine
Discography
"Five Miles Gone" album, 2011
"The Nickel Slots" album, 2009
Both streaming on Pandora
Photos
Bio
Fresh off of the release of their music video for “The Devil's Chain Gang,” which is being accepted into film festivals, The Nickel Slots are channeling that excitement into new creative projects. The band has previously won two consecutive Sammie Awards for Outstanding Americana/Alt-Country, and in 2012 wowed audiences in venues both large and small on a European tour. Their second album “Five Miles Gone” prompted SubMerge Magazine to say that it “...will make a serious bid to be the soundtrack of your summer.” They are currently focused on developing new songs for their next studio album, which they will begin recording later this year.
From the sentimental folk tune to the foot-stomping, raucous sing-along, their alt-country rock songs bring you back to a long-lost memory or shared experience of pain, joy, heartache, love, hope, and redemption. Performing together since November 2008, the band has built a devoted following in their home base of Sacramento. They gained notoriety as a song from their debut album spent a month in rotation on KWOD 106.5 FM's Sounds of Sacramento series before that station's demise in May 2009.
Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Tony Brusca writes songs that tell unique stories and has a knack for connecting with audiences. Bassist and mandolin player Paul Zinn's backing vocals add an extra dimension to Tony's melodies, and his bass lines just can't sit still. Christopher Amaral, The Nickel Slots' versatile drummer, lays down train beats and adds distinctive power to the band's sound. His brother, individual Sammie Award winner electric guitarist Steve Amaral, throws down tasteful licks that dance across the line between rock and country.
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