Nom De Plume – Once A Time Of May (2023)
Inspired by life and the world around us, US-based trio Nom De Plume expresses the core of existence and its intricate complexity in their moving melodies. They blend superb storytelling skills with mindful instrumentation to produce, well, something sophisticated that can still capture the grittier side of life. This is my introduction to Nom De Plume; however they have been turning heads for decades beginning with the debut album Lovely Land in 1999 – at least, according to Spotify. So, come jump into their music with me and let’s see what Nom De Plume is all about.
Since 1999, Aris Karabelas (vocals and guitar), Michael Magee (bass) and Dave Roderick (drums) have sauntered through various fields of rock music. Classic rock with 90s pop-rock tones came through in Lovely Land, while indie-rock made an appearance in the 2008 album Ashes to Argyle. Skip forward about 15 years, give or take, and the lads re-emerge with an eclectic tapestry of folk-rock and synth-inspired Americana. Kaleidoscopic from the first moment, it is impossible to consider what this inimitable group has up their sleeve.
One aspect I find particularly interesting about Nom De Plume’s melodies is the nostalgic flair. In ‘Once A Time Of May’, the group drag us back to the 70s roots rock style – a genre blending elements of folk, blues and rock. Nom De Plume captures the old-school roots rock; however, a contemporary tinge of eclectic synths makes ‘Once A Time Of May’ more experimental with a modern-day edge.
Harmonic fusion exists between the instrumentation carrying you along a mellifluous river of sound. Yet, while we have a dreamy rhythm beneath with Karabelas’ vocals leading the way, ‘Once A Time Of May’ has a profound poignancy in its theme. Karabelas explains:
“I was inspired to write the song while living overseas in Greece. The song is about longing to belong and how dangerous the world can feel at times. The song’s atmospheric yet earthy driving beat, with haunting vocals and instrumentation, emphasise feelings of estrangement and yearning.”
In addition to the single, Nom De Plume released an official music video for ‘One A Time Of May’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about Nom De Plume on their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more moving Americana tunes on The Other Side Reviews Americana playlist:
