NOKOMIS

London based artist Nokomis which is the alias of Anna, who combines an array of genres like Alternative, Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegaze and Noir to create her sound.  Releasing her first album 'In Waves' in 2020,  the 10 track record was created out of the musical collaboration of Anna, Mike Marlin and Danny Monk with all three wrote, created and recorded the tracks in London.  There are resonances of bands like Mazzy Star, London Grammar and Eyes Blood heard throughout as well as elements of Prince and Billie Eilish vibes, which I instantly got from my first listen to this album.  Anna is an artist who commands her own space and this album truly showcases that, she is definitely an artist to watch.

'In Waves' kicks the album off and what a track to begin with, the atmosphere and emotion that is present grabs you instantly.  The piano and drums bring the melancholy feel to the song, intertwined with the haunting undertones from the synth effects.  I love the build to this track, the verse pulls back with only the piano and vocals, then the synths rise in the background to build the intense chorus.  Anna's vocals hold so much power and you feel the beautiful, raw, haunting tone with the emotional and soulful delivery. 

'Lay My Body Down' is more dense instrumentally, with more depth in the bass line this track will definitely get you closing your eyes and nodding your head.  Anna's vocals are yet again laced with those haunting tones and soulful delivery and they just captivate you.  This one brings a more r&b style particularly in the drumbeat and bass line, intertwined with the atmospheric guitar and synths really makes for an enticing listen.

'Closer' an 'Eastern Sky' are as beautiful as they are eerie, both use the guitar dripping with so much reverb that it creates such a dream like sequence.  The wind effect that sits in the background of 'Closer' creates such a memorable atmosphere, everything about the instrumentation is so delicate and yet possesses a power around it that compliments the vocals beautifully.  When you close your eyes both tracks release you into a dreamy atmospheric soundscape and carries you along.

'Easy For Me' moves into the more electronic vibe, minimalistic in style and is the perfect chill out song, there is a stillness and calmness to Anna's vocals.  The deep tones from the bass line and those chord progressions from the synth that sit behind her vocals are just stunning.  The gradual build on the atmosphere is so captivating it is just mesmerising. 

'All The Little Things' is very similar in the arrangement style to 'Lay My Body Down', but contrasts the density of that track to one that feels lighter and more airy, pulling back the heavy bassline with melodic sequences from the piano, glockenspiel and guitar that dance along with the vocals.  The delicate glockenspiel hits gives that little bit of brightness in a track that has those melancholy tones.

'I Want You To Know' brings back the electronic vibe, with the delicate synth melodies and rich synth bass line that oozes that dreamy atmosphere as well as the those haunting undertones, delivering an emotional and moving song.  There is definite Prince 'Purple Rain' vibes that come through in this track particularly with the drum beat and the guitar melody.

'Waiting For A Name' is one of those tracks that builds on the atmosphere, beginning with Anna's vocals and a faint synth bass line which is so eerie, the song progresses slowly and at a pace that keeps you anticipating where the track will go.  It is a slow burner that you need to take the time to sit down and listen.  The vocal harmonies are so intense and stunning, they certainly give off those Billie Eilish-esque harmonies.

'Follow You Down' brings the beautiful melody of the piano to the forefront alongside the vocals, with all other instruments sitting faintly in the back ground.  Making for a delightful and elegant piano ballad that you will completely fall into.   

The album closes with 'Sunshine' and brings those psychedelic vibes with the reverb laden guitars riffs,  creating a dreamy atmosphere that send you off into another world.  The drum beat is so laid back that it allows the track to move at it's own pace, there is no hurry and that makes it such a relaxing listen.

The unique thing about this album is that the songs don't have that verse chorus and repeat structure, the songs all build on emotion and atmosphere with different soundscapes, making this more than just listening to the album it is a experience and Anna takes you on the journey with her lyrically and musically.  There is passion, soul and heart felt emotional lyrics throughout this entire album, that sit in harmony with the overall calmness of the instrumentation.

INSTAGRAM - thisisnokomis

FACEBOOK - thisisnokomis

You can listen to the entire album on bandcamp - Nokomis - In Waves (full album)