Album Review: Wild Nothing - Nocturne

Nocturne, is the second release by Wild Nothing, a solo project led by Jack Tatum. Having previously released "Gemini" LP in 2010, the project came out establishing the revival of a rich tradition of pop revisionists along with bands like Pains of being Pure at Heart, DIIV and the Passion Pitt. With the 2012 release of Nocturne, Tatum seems more keen in making a cohesive impression rather than surprising the listener. If you listen closely, you will get immediately lost in the  whirling charm of Nocturne’s sound and find serenity in its nimble continuity.

In contrast to Gemini (2010), Tatum has whitewashed Nocturne with a layer of unpretentious affluence, giving Nocturne a music style that seems more consistent between transitions, which in turn allows the tone and tempo to maintain perpetuity. The one thing that will be overheard throughout the entire duration of the album are the punchy bass lines, that are all too familiar to anyone pertaining to the New Wave / Dream Pop genre.

Nocturne, is full of alternating emotions of menace and joy, along with melodious lines that aren’t afraid to convey sentiment, and sounds that are too spectral to digest in one listen. Make note, I personally would recommend the listener to give the album a few listens before drawing conclusions. The more you listen, the more you discover. Each synth note, every guitar verse, and drum beat have been carefully assembled to combine in total harmony. It truly makes a every  listen feel like a new one.

The album is packed with much playfulness and solemnity in songs such as “Only Heather” and “Paradise”. Songs like "The Chain Won't Break", will effortlessly delve the listener into the world of "Dream-pop", turning the listen into a fascinating hazy and bewildering escapade.

Nocturne really lays down the listening experience. A combination of calm and dynamic, with a laid-back groove. A carefully mixed composition of hazy synths, glistening guitar verses and dream / power-pop choruses, that melodically please the ear. Give it a listen and please give me your thoughts and opinions on this album in the commentary section below.