Nocturne

AlbumAug 28 / 201212 songs, 49m 15s
Dream Pop Indie Pop
Popular

With opening track “Shadow,” Wild Nothing’s second studio album *Nocturne* instantaneously dodges any semblance of a sophomore slump. Fans of frontman Jack Tatum’s allegiance to indie-pop’s late 1980s/early 1990s heyday will be pleased to know he’s still very enamored with that special time when England and Scotland were churning out exceptional bands. “Shadow” swirls with vintage dream-pop beauty while chiming on vestiges of that C-86 jangle revisited by 21st century Slumberland bands. But Tatum’s knack for crafting handsomely catchy melodies keeps things sounding fresh, even when sung in a wispy androgynous voice on par with that of a young Bobby Gillespie or Belinda Butcher. The lead guitar melodies nearly upstage those of the vocals in the following “Midnight Song” — another gem that recalls British indie acts of yore, save for some glistening moments that have more in common with The Shins and Beach Fossils. The title-track is a swoon-worthy standout with moody chord changes and icy hints of new romanticism. The gorgeous “Only Heather” boasts hypnotic shoegazing guitar effects.

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8.3 / 10

Wild Nothing's second album, Nocturne, distinguishes itself from the crowded pack of dream-pop nostalgists for the same reason 2010's Gemini did-- Jack Tatum is simply one of the best songwriters in this field, and Nocturne's significant upgrade in fidelity makes that point more clearly than ever.

C

Nocturne, Jack Tatum’s sophomore album as Wild Nothing, finds the gifted young songwriter exploring a more refined, less impressionistic world of pop music—one that exists outside the confines of his bedroom. Gemini, Tatum’s blog-approved 2010 debut, is filled with ethereal melodies and handcrafted shoegaze texture,…

8 / 10

7 / 10

Although just about all the songs here demonstrate Tatum's immense talent, this is more a necessary album in his progression as an artist than a great one.

7.6 / 10

Wild Nothing brainiac Jack Tatum nailed a solid formula with his project’s debut effort Gemini . With Nocturne , he takes…

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Wild Nothing's excellent debut album Gemini had a homemade, slightly wonky feel that gave Jack Tatum's take on '80s new wave pop a human touch.

8.0 / 10

Jack Tatum, aka Wild Nothing, released 2010's Gemini while wrapping up his college degree at age 21.

8 / 10

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Album Reviews: Wild Nothing - Nocturne

81 %

Nocturne Bella Union ****