[Indie Rock] Wild Nothing – Nocturne (Album Review)

THE WAIT IS OVER! After a two-year lull, Wild Nothing has unveiled a new chapter of their musical repertoire. Nocturne is an eleven-song follow up to the wildly acclaimed debut gem Gemini. Wild Nothing is the dream pop vision of Virginia-grown frontman Jack Tatum, who previously played in the bands Jack and the Whale and Facepaint in the college town of Blacksburg. Since Wild Nothing was born in the summer of 2009, Tatum has left the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley for New York.

The album is a strong sophomoric effort for Tatum and his young musical endeavor. It is at the same time mellow and catchy; steady and experimental; pensive and exciting. Tatum said in an interview with Dazed Digital magazine that “Nocturne” is not only his favorite song on the album, but is also representative of an underlying theme “which is kind of this nighttime, drowsy, lack of sleep delirious type feeling.” I don’t think the title track is the best song on the album, but the simple guitar licks, stretchy vocals, and intoxicating harmonies come together beautifully. To me, “Nocturne” is a combination of the band’s biggest hit from Gemini, “Chinatown”, and the sound of those French guys, Phoenix.