Michael Nau
Some Twist
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
Before setting out on his solo career, Maryland’s Michael Nau performed as the lead vocalist and guitarist of indie rock band, Page France, and then psych-folk project, Cotton Jones Basket Ride. In 2016, Nau released his first solo record, Mowing, and returns with his third under his own name.
Fans of 60’s and 70’s pop music will love Nau. Much of the appeal of Nau comes from his undeniable talent creating psychedelic pop/folk with a modern twist. On songs like “I Root” and “How You’re So For Real”, you can hear the classic influences.
The opener, “Good Thing”, is a solid, chill track that highlights calm artistry in a society that is, for the most part, unstable and unpredictable. The track firmly cements his place in an industry where anyone who knows technology can easily upload their music and have their life changed instantly. This calm approach can only be done from an artist who truly knows who he is creatively.
The quick, yet psychedelic, percussion-based instrumental track “Twelve” is an interlude and excellent segway into “The Lead”, a track that almost offers reminders of the Grateful Dead. The electronics, guitars, and Nau’s classic voice on “The Lead” pave the way for a jammy experience, then it leads into a saxophone solo, adding a touch of jazz influences. It’s welcomed, but almost confuses the listener from the rest of the song.
Some Twist definitely provides multiple twists in its musicianship from the various genres it touches upon in addition to its dynamics from uptempo to downtempo tracks. Many of the tracks offer a classic vibe from decades-old pop and folk music while some others feature a contemporary psychedelic vibe like on “Twelve.” Regardless, Some Twist features some truly incredible unexpected twists and turns in which creates a sound that only Nau can develop, create, and perform.
Rating: Bad-Ass
