Near Divine Or Merely Rhyme
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
Listen to Near Divine Or Merely Rhyme
This debut solo album from the Kingston, New York artist Nic Panken brings in an excellent cast for the retro and sweet version of Americana.
After the bare and warm 30 seconds of “Prelude”, “Into Eternitty” follows with crisp drums and cozy strumming, as Panken’s sincere singing draws us in.
In the middle, “2 Hearts” is a bit thicker, where a ruggedness enters the folk-rock ideas, while “I Believe That I Know” carries a hazy quality via the hearfelt and emotive songwriting that you’ll be singing along to pretty quick.
Arriving later, “Out In The Rain” benefits from dense guitar that suits the intimate storytelling which recruits some pop ideas, too, and “Time” exits with a rich and thoughtful formula of timeless Americana.
Panken also fronts the folk outfit Spirit Family Reunion, and his ability to bridge indie-folk with an old time feel makes for an authentic and touching first solo record.
Travels well with: Karen Dahlstrom- Love These Days; Elly Kace- The Seventh Gate