Somewhere South Of Sane
Palo Santo, 2018
8/10
Listen to Somewhere South Of Sane
A veteran Dallas singer-songwriter who also dabbles in producing, this lengthy 7th album from Salim Nourallah balances forthrightness with an artistic approach that’s often tinted with melancholy as he offers much variety across 21 tracks.
“Boy In A Record Shop” starts the listen bare where Nourallah’s soft vocals rest well against the gentle indie-pop setting that embraces psychedelia, and “Let Go Of The Night” continues the atmosphere with violin, viola and cello from Rick Nelson adding much to the graceful display.
Further along, “Moving Man” also brings an orchestral feel with strings from Deni Bonet and Ward Williams in a reflective climate of graceful beauty that tips its hat to Nick Drake, while “A Thousand Ways To Miss You” benefits greatly from Xuan’s backing vocals on the folk-inspired album highlight. “Tucumcari”, another stand out track, then brings in Nelson’s string work again on the elegant beauty.
Back half highlights include the sparse, sublime “I Missed My Own Life”, where delicate backing vocals complement the heartfelt environment, and “Cold Cuddle” offers traces of psyche-rock in its throwback approach where careful strumming leaves an impression. “Sleepwalking” exits the listen with a glowing indie-folk presence where gentle singing pairs well with the dreamy finish.
Nourallah doesn’t hide his affinity for John Lennon or Bob Dylan here, and describes this batch of tunes as ‘the work of a functional crazy person’. Using very little percussion on this album, he finds himself in a very unique spot where a creative brand of indie-rock becomes unclassifiable, even though it’s universally embraceable both lyrically and musically.
Travels well with: Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm; Hayden- Us Alone