Wild Nothing
Nocturne
BY EMRE BERBEROĞLU (IR/III)
Release Date: August 27, 2012
Label: Bella Union
Producer: Nicolas Vernhes
You want to know me? Well, what's to know?
Dream Popper Jack Tatum's project Wild Nothing released its second LP, "Nocturne," on August 27. After the appearance of its first album, "Gemini," in 2010, Wild Nothing waited two long years to release a new record. However, it's obvious that this passage of time has been an advantage.
In making "Nocturne," Tatum (guitar and vocals) has worked with his musician friends Jeff Haley (bass guitar), Jeremiah Johnson (drums), Kevin Knight (keyboards) and Nathan Goodman (guitar). The same musicians also play alongside Tatum at his live concerts, and most of those who saw Wild Nothing before the addition of the new members say that the live performances have improved since then.
"Nocturne" starts with the stunning "Shadow." From the very first beat you find yourself in Wild Nothing's dreamy world. Jack Tatum's melancholic voice guides you through this world, while driving snare drums keep you awake in the dream. The orchestral part in the middle of the song is just amazing, and is another sign that Tatum didn't record this album by himself in his dorm room like "Gemini."
After "Shadow," the album continues with my least favorite track, "Midnight Song." It's not actually a bad song, but it just doesn't feel right in this album. But then we are off to the album's best song, "Nocturne." The melodic entrance and catchy lyrics are heavenly beautiful. The explosion of the snare drums in the middle of the song shifts you into higher gear, and you find yourself dancing before you know it.
"Only Heather" is a pure love song, and Tatum's lyric-writing ability stands out in this one, showing once again that he's one of the best songwriters in the Dream Pop community. "This Chain Don't Break" and "Disappear Always" are moody tracks and, with Tatum's whispery voice, they become incredibly effective.
"Paradise," one of the lead singles on "Nocturne," is living proof of how Tatum has transformed and matured both musically and lyrically. He now can reach emotional levels he couldn't touch two years ago. Wild Nothing concludes "Nocturne" with a synth bass song, "Rheya."
The Bottom Line: The transformation Jack Tatum has undergone within the past two years is evident in this intimate album. Definitely, one of the best albums of 2012.
Notable Tracks: "Shadow"; "Nocturne"; "Paradise"; "Counting Days"; "The Blue Dress"
Band's Website:
http://wild-nothing-nocturne.com/
This Week's Events:
1) DJ Shadow (DJ Set) - November 8 - Garajistanbul, İstanbul - Ticket Prices: Student 34TL, Regular 45TL
2) Tiger & Woods (Live), Büber vs. Style-ist, Surrender! - November 9 - Babylon, İstanbul - Ticket Prices: Student 29TL, Regular 39TL
3) Yo La Tengo - November 10 - Garajistanbul, İstanbul - Ticket Prices: Student 34TL, Regular 34TL
4) Deep Shit w/ Edwin Congreave (Foals DJ Set) & Jack Savidge (Friendly Fires DJ Set) (UK), Yesh! Me Lady, Club Bangkok - November 10 - Babylon, İstanbul - Ticket Prices: Student 29TL, Regular 39TL
5) Josephine Foster, Naytronix & DJ Fitz and TSU! - November 11 - Arkaoda, İstanbul - Ticket Prices: Student 20TL, Regular 25TL
You can buy tickets for the events listed above at this website: http://www.biletix.com/
Song of the Week: Die Antwoord - "I Fink U Freaky"