Nerves of Steel (Erasure song)
"Nerves of Steel" is the second single from the album The Neon by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released on 11 August 2020.[1][2] The song premiered on BBC Radio 2.
"Nerves of Steel" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Erasure | ||||
from the album The Neon | ||||
B-side | "Remixes" | |||
Released | 11 August 2020 | |||
Length | 4:13 | |||
Label | Mute | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Erasure | |||
Erasure singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Nerves of Steel" on YouTube |
Background
The vocals were done in Atlanta, Georgia, with the final mixing done in London, England.[3]
Andy Bell said: "This is my favorite track from the album, I am truly honored that all our LGBTQIA+ friends were so creative during lockdown and helped us with this joyful video. Thanks for creating such a lovely piece of art!"[3][4]
Music video
The video features drag queens and LGBTQ+ stars including participants from RuPaul's Drag Race, including Detox, Manila Luzon, Amanda Lepore, Candis Cayne, and a few others.[3][5][6] The video was directed by Brad Hammer,[1] and produced and edited by Tyler Stone.[2]
Reception
The track has received generally positive reviews.
Retro Pop described it as a "synth-driven love song at its core, the track sees Andy Bell pine after a potential lover, over Vince Clarke's trademark pulsing beats."[7]
Stereogum described it as a "patiently pulsing, simmering depiction of that sort of dizzying early love phase."[8]
SLUG Magazine wrote: "Having the distinction of being the most traditional, Erasure-sounding cut, it has all the elements of single status: upbeat but slightly darker synths, intriguing lyrics and a great vocal performance by Bell."[9]
Track listing
- Digital download (Remixes)[10]
- "Nerves of Steel" (7th Heaven remix edit)
- "Nerves of Steel" (extended version)
- "Nerves of Steel" (Bright Light Bright Light remix)
- "Nerves of Steel" (7th Heaven remix)
References
- Shaffer, Claire (11 August 2020). "Erasure Team Up With Drag Stars for 'Nerves of Steel' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- Gilchrist, Tracy E. (12 August 2020). "Erasure Is Back With 'Nerves of Steel' Featuring Drag Race Stars, More". Advocate. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- Irving, Jennifer (11 August 2020). "Erasure Share Video for New Song "Nerves of Steel"". Under the Radar. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- Tan, Emily (11 August 2020). "Erasure Tap Manila Luzon, Detox and Other RuPaul's Drag Race Alums for 'Nerves of Steel' Video". Spin. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- "Erasure comparte el video de "Nerves Of Steel"". Indie Rocks! (in Spanish). 11 August 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- Martin, Annie (11 August 2020). "Erasure enlists drag stars for 'Nerves of Steel' music video". UPI. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- "Erasure – Nerves of Steel". Retro Pop. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- Leas, Ryan (11 August 2020). "Erasure – "Nerves Of Steel"". Stereogum. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- "Review: Erasure – The Neon". SLUG Magazine. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- "Erasure – Nerves of Steel (Remixes)". Retro Pop. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.