NATHANIEL PAUL’S ‘TURPENTINE’ BRINGS GOOD VIBES BACK TO INDIE MUSIC

Nathaniel Paul has sprinkled joy, whimsy, & magic into his record, ‘Turpentine.’ I receive music across all genres in my inbox daily, but sometimes hidden indie gems stand out the most. Artists like Paul use all of their creative energy to incorporate masterful storytelling elements with proficient production abilities.

If Nathaniel Paul was a season, he would be the springtime. His record sounds like a blossoming field full of California poppies and tall grass. It would be more surprising if he were not on a Coachella lineup within the next 5 years.

Paul’s lyrical stylings would soothe the souls of seasoned Mac DeMarco fans. Indie music has changed its shape many times over this past decade, but ‘Turpentine’ as a full body of work is a well-rounded culmination of what the genre has become, and the journey it has taken to get to this point.

Some songs are like vivid colors; the stunning arrangement of ‘Never’ feels like a warm sunset, gazing into the horizon waiting for tomorrow. It’s been a good while since I’ve heard a harmonica so eloquently intermingled within a mix. Paul’s clever use of instrumentation makes the production value of the record that much higher.

Think again if you believe that you’ve heard everything that indie-folk has to offer. Paul’s artistry pushes the envelope in all the right ways, reinvigorating interest in what might otherwise be considered a tried-and-true sound. The evolution of genres is fascinating to witness, and Paul’s work feels like the most natural progression possible.

Most of the songs are easy listening, feel-good moments. However, tracks like ‘Just Memories’ deviate away from any formulaic songwriting and breathe life into the record. Dancey indie bangers like this deserve to take up residence in Urban Outfitters store playlists, and the hearts of tote bag aficionados everywhere. This is a compliment, of course, as those who scour record stores for hidden gems along the lines of ‘Just Memories’ will be thrilled to be ahead of everyone else on the Nathaniel Paul wave.

‘The Crown’ is guided by a nicely palm-muted acoustic guitar and standout melody. This track is where you can really admire Paul’s vocal ability. It is slightly reminiscent of The Academy Is…’s frontman William Beckett, who pursued a similar solo endeavor a few years back. A collaboration between these two would fit like peanut butter & jelly. Moreover, Paul’s seamless harmonies with himself are stunning. The layers are even, bringing out the lyrics to the song very well.

Combining Tame Impala-esque synth work and a true crooner vocal style makes for a solid record. I would love it if ‘Turpentine’ were just a hair longer, giving audiences a deeper look into Paul’s colorful mind.

I’m interested to see how Paul pushes his vision forward. There is, evidently, more that he has to offer, with ‘Turpentine’ elegantly scratching the surface. Hopefully, he gets in contact with the right collaborators, further pushing the envelope creatively within the indie-folk space. He could single-handedly rejuvenate the genre, easily, without a doubt!