Nerves of Steel (song)

"Nerves of Steel"
Single by Erasure
from the album The Neon
B-side"Remixes"
Released11 August 2020
Length4:13
LabelMute
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Erasure
Erasure singles chronology
"Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling)"
(2020) 		"Nerves of Steel"
(2020) 		"Fallen Angel"
(2020)
Music video
"Nerves of Steel" on YouTube

"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.

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]
  1. "Nerves of Steel" (7th Heaven remix edit)
  2. "Nerves of Steel" (extended version)
  3. "Nerves of Steel" (Bright Light Bright Light remix)
  4. "Nerves of Steel" (7th Heaven remix)

References

  1. ^ a b Shaffer, Claire (11 August 2020). "Erasure Team Up With Drag Stars for 'Nerves of Steel' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  2. ^ a b Gilchrist, Tracy E. (12 August 2020). "Erasure Is Back With 'Nerves of Steel' Featuring Drag Race Stars, More". Advocate. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Irving, Jennifer (11 August 2020). "Erasure Share Video for New Song "Nerves of Steel"". Under the Radar. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Erasure comparte el video de "Nerves Of Steel"". Indie Rocks! (in Spanish). 11 August 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  6. ^ Martin, Annie (11 August 2020). "Erasure enlists drag stars for 'Nerves of Steel' music video". UPI. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Erasure – Nerves of Steel". Retro Pop. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  8. ^ Leas, Ryan (11 August 2020). "Erasure – "Nerves Of Steel"". Stereogum. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Review: Erasure – The Neon". SLUG Magazine. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Erasure – Nerves of Steel (Remixes)". Retro Pop. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.