NICOTA‘s third EP “Kapitola III” was released in May 2021, but I think it may be one of the most overlooked offerings in the hearty genre of emotional post hardcore / screamo in my listening history. Recorded and mixed by Anders, DΓΆdsmord Studio, in 2020, led by captivating vocals with Czech lyrics by Martin Ε indelΓ‘Ε, and spiced up by cover painting by Martin MatouΕ‘ek, the EP is out via D.I.Y Kolo Records, Salto Mortale Music, and Panic Movements Records and it’s a straight up ripper, befitting of a band that’s been doing their thing since 2017.
Nicota started as a 4-piece bandin 2017 when guitarist (Pavel Tvrz), bassist (Martin Kalista) and drummer Peter Chmela of Wolves Unbound (hardcore) joined with vocalist/poet Martin Ε indelΓ‘Ε from Naiada (post-hardcore). The guitar player and singer also played together in Crowheart (crust hrd core) before re-uniting in Nicota. Martin Ε indelΓ‘Ε has had two poem collections published with support from Jan TΔsnohlΓdek Publishing.
Some material from Chapter I and II (Kapitola I, Kapitola II) was originally intended for release under the Wolves Unbound moniker but as Wolves Unbound parted ways with the original vocalist and Martin Ε indelΓ‘Ε joined, new lyrics were applied to the music and new tracks came to life before vocals recording in summer 2017.
“We only decided to split the material into two EPs with the expectation that an 11-track album would be too long for listeners.” – comments the band.
“In 2018 we gained second guitarist Michal Ε andara, whom we knew from our daily jobs. In 2019 our original drummer left for family/career reasons and his place was taken by David from Howl with whom we recorded Kapitola III in 2020 during Covid which was made into a vinyl in 2021 thanks to the support from the labels SaltoMortale Music, DIY Kolo Records and Panic movements.”
Currently, NICOTA are working on Kapitola IV, but this time they have welcomed a new drummer Martin VopaleckΓ½ from Ivy Mike and vocalist Heller from Gribber.
Asked about their creative process and inspirations, they continue: “Most of our songs are initially composed by our lead guitarist Pavel, then reflected against everybody elseβs sense of the piece and changed around until we like it.. We intentionally create stuff with very little amount of repeating parts.”
“π΄π ππ’π π£ππππππ π‘ ππππ‘ππ ππ ππππππππ‘ππ¦ π ππππ‘, βπ βππ πππ π‘ππ¦ ππππ πππππ‘πππ π‘βπ πππππ βπ π€πππ‘π πππππππ π‘π π‘βπ π ππππ ππ βπ π ππ€ πππ‘, π ππππ‘ππππ πππ€ π ππππ πππ πππππ βππ ππππππ‘ππ¦ π‘π π€πππ‘π πππ€ πππππ .”
“As we acknowledged that his input is truly an original component to the final music, we stuck to the literary imagery of this and named the albums βChaptersβ.”
Asked about their motivation, they admit that NICOTA is a DIY band. “In the sense that we sponsor ourselves, record with the help of our friends and have no intention to be rich and famous;) or make our living by playing. This is purely for joy and entertainment.”
For more emotive post hardcore tunes, NICOTA have shared some of their best picks to check out, in case you haven’t: “There are so many great bands out there. Please be sure to give a good listen to Joliette, Nine Eleven, Converge, City of Caterpillar, Birds in Row, from Czech ones LakmΓ©, Rutka Laskier, Ravelin 7″”
“We generally love many screamo/post-hardcore/crust/post metal bands and the result of our efforts is probably a blend of our desires vs capabilities ;)”, they conclude.
For more heartfelt emo punk and screamo / post hardcore, please be sure to follow our lengthy, frequently updated Spotify playlist below:
