Wildland
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
A New York City singer-songwriter, this debut from Lana Nauphal brings us 10 originals, where similarities to Iron & Wine and Ingrid Michaelson unfold with nostalgic folk ideas and plenty of beauty.
“Be It As It May” opens with cozy acoustic guitar, as Nauphal’s elegant voice glides with a stirring and poetic presence, and “Is It Raining In California?” follows with a lush and warm ambience, where light drums and gorgeous pedal steel tugs on the heartstrings.
“Sure As The Score” lands in the middle and uses mature keys and spirited harmonica via much emotion, while “Something In The Rain” is full of tender singing and raw instrumentation that makes it seem like Nauphal is singing just for you.
“Oh He Oh My” and “One Is The Loneliest Dream” exit the listen, where the former is an upbeat moment that you could and should dance to, and the latter is a mesmerizing finish that’s melodic and vocally charming.
A very thoughtful affair, Nauphal’s craft brings introspection and even cathartic moments to an excellent starting point for a talent that we should all be familiar with.