Bringing together singer
Nadia Hulett
with
Carlos Hernandez
and
Julian Fader
of
Ava Luna
,
oh my
is the debut LP of indie pop trio
NADINE
. With a restrained, jazz-inflected sophistication that can evoke '70s jazz-rock and the softer side of
Laurie Anderson
, at least in passing moments, the group steers clear of
's more vivid sound. Here, playful reflection and understatement reign on a set of 11 songs that still challenge expectation. On the more whimsical side, "Ultra Pink" seduces with a dance-funky groove and blippy electronics behind
Hulett
's silken vocal tone, which alternates between spoken and sung repeated phrases. The slinkier "Not My Kind of Movie" features complementary piano and keyboard timbres, a fat bass tone, and jazzy chord progressions, while "Contigo" is a quietly glitchy interlude with layered vocal samples and effects. A sparer track like "That Neon Sign" has an a cappella opening and closing, more earnest lyrics, and sustained accompaniment. The album as a whole is guided by
's quiet confidence and includes production touches that surprise and enrich without disturbing an overriding calm coolness. A skillful debut by musicians with notable prior credits, they've settled into something intriguing and distinct out of the gate. ~ Marcy Donelson