NTHN – Apologies (2021)
There are times when we feel spiralling self-blame even when it is not warranted. Through his dark RnB track ‘Apologies’, NTHN explores this feeling and slowly leads us to the path of overcoming them. Merging self-aware criticism with growing confidence and unwarranted guilt, he sprinkles a satirical tone over the chorus to create an interesting dynamic within the single.
A true journey through thought processes and emotions, the single catches you in the flow of emotion while filling you with the self-confidence needed to take on new beginnings. While much of his youth was spent listening to metal and emo music, NTHN has flourished through a love of hip-hip and fascination with using samples. Taking recorded street samples he turns them into layered and atmospheric sounds before adding lyrics that break down barriers and stigmas.
NTHN’s vocals catch your attention from the first moment of ‘Apologies’. Through the opening verse, he brings a sense of being undeserving of what you have to the fore. His contemporary mixture of RnB and emo rap is powerful and perfect for delivering this poignant message. Through his performance, you are filled with the unease and blame that we often stack on ourselves. The chorus offers a dark-pop edge to the single as he brings a touch of criticism to growing confidence. The lyrics are touching as they bring a relatable thread of thoughts to the single.
While the vocals bring the conflicting thoughts and emotions of the track to life, the airy and almost ambient tones of the melody enhance the feelings. The light tap to the music through the first verse draws you forward while setting you in a dark spacious cavern. More layers are added when the chorus first hits enhancing the atmospheric flow of the track. As the single progresses, the melody rises and falls in a wonderful movement that mimics the ups and downs of the thoughts laid out in the vocals.
NTHN draws you into a reflection of self-blame and growing confidence through the emo RnB rap and atmospheric tones of ‘Apologies’. His vocal performance catches your attention as he weaves a relatable web of blame, confidence, guilt and empowerment. The music enhances the movement of the vocals while creating a dark space for you to reflect on what is being said.
Find out more about NTHN on his website, Instagram and Spotify.
