(label)
16 June 2017 (released)
24 June 2017
Michael Nau from Cumberland, Maryland releases his second album, Some Twist.
Opening track, Good Thing is a piece showcasing the smooth but unique tone to his vocals in the first few seconds of listening. The album has a traditional flow that’s often very absent in the digital world, Nau proves that he can split his album perfectly onto both sides of a record while still having continuation throughout. His music echoes The War On Drugs, The National and The Velvet Underground. Some Twist is a hot Summers day and road trip album that really broadens Nau’s works. While it must have been difficult to top his previous album, Mowing, he still ads another layer of sophistication to his repertoire and keeps his varied style and instrumentation.
I Root is Nau’s Spotify Artist Pick, and one I feel creates the most imagery, reminding you of your happy memories and could really be a keen choice for a film soundtrack. It contrasts in mood to Oh You Wanna Bet that aims to break your heart more, and builds up to a very epic ending to this side of the album. Nau shows more experimentation with distortion, it’s here that his backing vocals become more apparent and are used more clearly throughout the B side of the album.
Scatter takes the album to a more ethereal and melodic place, but uses a catchy hook and rhythms, making this a stand out (B side) track. It then moves onto Twelve, which fits in nicely as a fully instrumental break before The Load, a more bluesy song with a big jazzy solo at the end.
Light That Ever Was closes the album with a memorable hook and elements of distortion that is a running theme throughout. It’s very much an end track that could close a set when played live. The backing vocals are beautifully blended, the layers of instruments are weaving nicely together and it’s one that makes your kids fall asleep in the car late at night.
Back in May, Nau announced his European tour using a map on his Facebook page. Not Google Maps but something a little more old school.
Here are his UK tour dates:
Thursday 21st September- Brighton- The Greys
Friday 22nd September- Bristol- The Louisiana
Saturday 23rd September- Glasgow- The Hug and Pint
Sunday 24th September- Leeds- Brudenell Social Club
Monday 25th September- Manchester- Gullivers
Tuesday 26th September- London- The Lexington
