Still Gushing
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
An Athens, Georgia outfit with a penchant for thoughtful, adventurous song craft, first and foremost the band exist to bring awareness to the opioid epidemic.
“Smart Heart” starts the album with pretty vocals from Rachel Adams in a musically sparse setting of tambourines and soft drums, and “Blown Away” follows with a soft mood that’s both melodic and mysterious in its charming ambience.
In the middle, “This House” offers calm strumming with a vocally smooth and musically dynamic display of intricate indie-rock, while “All Those Angels” trims the pace back with soaring pipes and a psyche influence that adds another dimension to the listen.
Near the end, “Scripted” recruits playful instrumentation and a more forceful rhythm section in the lush album highlight, and "Give In To The Flesh” unfolds from a slow burner into a charming indie-folk tune with strings. The title track ends the affair with dual gender vocals, folksy guitars and an elegant pop influence, again illustrating just how skilled this ensemble is.
A record that was penned by the driving force of the band, Richie Williams, his brother Dave also helped with songwriting duties that took place during the midst of Dave’s addiction that he survived, but not without permanent damage.
Yet another fine example of tragedy turned into great art, Nocturnal Blonde’s debut album is a hard one to pin down, bringing pieces of indie-rock, classic rock and folk sensibilities into its eclectic and meticulously delivered formula that carries on the grand tradition of superb music from Athens.
Travels well with: New Madrid- magentickingmagneticqueen; Dead Confederate- Sugar