_{By Renee Clark Quade}

The Nixons are back—and they’re not holding anything back. With their brand-new EP Four Zero Five, released March 28 via Pavement Entertainment, the Oklahoma-born rockers dive headfirst into their gritty, loud, unapologetically ’90s sound with a modern edge that hits just right.

The name Four Zero Five is a tribute to the Oklahoma area code where it all started. This five-track release feels like coming home for the band, while also flexing the songwriting chops frontman Zac Maloy has sharpened over the years writing with rock heavyweights like Shinedown and Halestorm.

The opening track “Dreams Of” sets the tone with a heavy, melodic punch. Inspired by a true crime story from Maloy’s hometown of Ada, Oklahoma, the song is dark, intense, and absolutely massive. John Humphrey (also of Seether) brings the thunder on drums, Ricky Brooks’ bass is thick and growling, and Jesse Davis delivers some of the most dynamic guitar work we’ve heard from the band—going from chaotic walls of sound to eerie leads that pull you right into the twisted story.

“Rust” follows, and this one’s got history. It’s a reflective, rough-around-the-edges track with a wild backstory involving a bullet that ended up lodged in the band’s van during a Texas tour in the ’90s. It’s a gritty reminder that these guys have lived the road life—and survived it with stories to tell.

Then there’s “The Seeker,” The Who classic reimagined Nixons-style. It’s bigger, heavier, and fits seamlessly into the band’s live set energy. Longtime fans will instantly recognize it, but this studio version brings a whole new level of power.

“December” and “Secret” close things out with a nod to the past. “December,” originally from their 1996 MCA Records release, gets a fresh spin with a bit of holiday spirit woven in, while “Secret,” one of their earliest songs, is reworked into a stripped-down, emotionally raw closer that hits you right in the chest.

Best known for their ’90s hit “Sister,” The Nixons prove with Four Zero Five that they’re still loud, still real, and still making rock that matters. Whether you’ve been with them since day one or you’re just discovering them now, this EP is worth turning up loud.

Four Zero Five is out now on all streaming platforms. Give it a spin—you won’t regret it.