Wild Nothing's Nocturne: Songwriting Masterclass

Wild Nothing's sophomore album, Nocturne, distinguishes itself through Jack Tatum's exceptional songwriting skills, enhanced by a notable increase in audio fidelity. This upgrade allows Tatum's talents to resonate more clearly than on previous releases like Gemini.

Recorded with Nicolas Vernhes, Nocturne represents a step up in sonic richness. While maintaining the core aesthetic of Gemini, the album incorporates subtle enhancements like live strings and a human drummer, creating a more luxurious, yet unpretentious, listening experience.

The album's sound is characterized by higher resolution, showcasing craftsmanship over the charmingly ramshackle approach of Gemini. Tracks like "Shadow" and "Paradise" exhibit a newfound urgency and explore new sonic territories, featuring lustrous strings and ambient build-ups.

Tatum prioritizes melody and vocal clarity, placing his vocals upfront. His songwriting prowess is evident in intricate arrangements and memorable hooks, such as the interplay between melody and violin in "Shadow" or the countermelody in "Counting Days."

While Tatum excels as a tunesmith, his lyrical content occasionally falters with mixed metaphors or less cohesive rhymes. Nevertheless, Nocturne ultimately delivers on the promise of dream-pop, capturing a sense of emotional resonance and wish fulfillment.