Nathan Oliver - Thank You For Your Generosity
NATHAN OLIVER RELEASES ‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY’
Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, three-piece alt-rock outfit Nathan Oliver releases a new album, Thank You For Your Generosity, via Potluck Foundation/Suah Sounds.
Nathan Oliver | Photo: Zeno Gill
The album’s genesis began in late 2017, after the death of Nathan’s brother, whose optimistic spirit continued to shine through the aftermath of pain and grief. The title of the album engages the emotions of both grief and a sincere expression of gratitude.
Thank You For Your Generosity took a bit of a different direction than Nathan Oliver’s previous releases, which began with Nathan putting songs together by himself, and then bringing in the rest of the band, Joe Caparo (bass, guitar, pianet) and Brad Porter (drums, percussion). This time, the songs were crafted with all three members present, resulting in a unified, organic sound.
Comprising eight-tracks, the album begins with “Generous Seas,” opening on surging layers of guitars, interweaving on three distinct strata, forming an introspective sensation.
The measured rhythm imposes the tick-tock feeling of a clock, inexorably ticking away the seconds, imbuing the tune with the ceaseless passage of time, in one sense, indifferent, in another sense, heartbreaking.
Highlights include “Isle of Youth,” traveling on edgy gleaming guitars flowing into a low-slung alt-rock melody that escalates to potent washes of strident colors as Nathan’s evocative voice infuses the lyrics with moody timbres.
“Everybody’s Swimming” opens on deep, darker guitars on a thumping rhythm reminiscent of Jack White, raw and crunching. The chorus exhibits traits of retro ‘60s flavors, chugging and clomping on searing harmonics.
“Even If You Go” features a bonging, chiming intro, followed by poignant tones, smooth and resonant. As the harmonics ebb and rise, the tune takes on jangle-light textures, Spartan yet sparkling with energy.
“Stand In Line” rolls out on grunge-laced guitars delivering hints of surf-rock sensations, giving the tune a frothy, undulating feel. “Runaway” starts off with a tasty drum shuffle reminiscent of Offspring’s “Keep Em Separated,” and then segues into steroidal visceral guitars, while Nathan’s voice infuses the lyrics with dusky, portentous timbres.
The final track, “A Tangent In Time,” commences with teeter-tottering coloration underscored by a glistening guitar. The measured rhythm imposes the tick-tock feeling of a clock, inexorably ticking away the seconds, imbuing the tune with the ceaseless passage of time, in one sense, indifferent, in another sense, heartbreaking.
There’s a slight aura of delicious uneasiness running through Thank You For Your Generosity, which makes it all the more irresistible.
Follow Nathan Oliver Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
