Even thought Nick Noon's anomalous "Don't Let The Papers Get You Down" sways like a beautiful 1950's-esque orchestrated ballad, that might of graced The Ed Sullivan show, it feels more subversive, truthful and punk that most of the indie / alternative rock tracks that have come across my electronic desk informed by the political and social devolution (or evolution) that has transpired and been on display in droves on ou televisions and social media especially over the last 5 years or so. Sometimes when you paint the most horrible picture with bright pink colors you drive the point across deeply. While I may of exaggerated about the Ed Sullivan shtick, Noon's aesthetic while harkening back to former days has more of a garden rock tone, with faint country folk western chamber pop affections done up in a broad way that actually feels more 60's / 70's / Sonny and Cher show (style). Noon's vocal aesthetic is amazing here and plays to the imagery he conjures up. If you listen to this track through a rose colored filter, the overall musical narrative feels uplifting and this is a testament to Noon's smooth cajole and beautiful musical breaks that softens his acerbic attack.
As I listen keenly, I couldn't help but (at one point) get angry because we are all being played daily and have since way before TV and smart phones ever existed. Whether it be race baiting, identity politics, inequities in business opportunities, being secretly steered to different locals of the city (or country) depending on our status or ethnicity, or nullified in any myriad of ways throughout time, we have been running down a football field with those in power repeatedly moving those elusive goal posts. There is always a cheat being had and a manipulation to fall for.
When Noon croons: "Ignore the outrage of the crowd, the pitchforks they hold are hollow, just because some words are loud doesn't mean they are profound, if you only turn the page you'd see who's getting paid, you'd see who's making loans and growing old off of your wage", there is a sense that our memories are short, that history repeats itself and that those pitchforks are double edged.
"Don't Let The Papers Get You Down" is from Nick Noon's alternative maxi-single paired with "Dear Delilah". Both tracks were recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and mastered by John Davis (The Killers, Gorillaz, Lana Del Rey, U2, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds).
-Robb Donker Curtius
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THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:
https://www.instagram.com/thenicknoon/
https://www.nicknoon.net/
Spotify
https://nicknoon.bandcamp.com/
Nashville, Tennessee-based Nick Noon is a rising multi-genre artist, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. The talented musician is poised to make waves in the scene with his emotion-evoking sound and relatable style. Through his emotion-filled vocal performances, Nick radiates raw emotion through ear-gracing instrumentation that paints a blank canvas. Inspired by his life experiences, the artist strives to push the envelope with his sound to make a dynamic style that encapsulates his love for various genres.
Nick Noon is no stranger to music, as he has written hundreds of songs. It is until today, that the world will hear the first of many releases by the Alabama-native. Nick seeks to connect intimately through his lyricism and music with listeners around the world and help them feel something. He will have listeners engulfed in the musical world he creates with his realness and unique sound. Nick Noon is an artist to watch as he is set to cement himself in the music industry for years to come.
Nick Noon, Psychedelic / Freak Folk, Chamber Pop, Indie Pop, balladic rock, politico folk, orchestrated indie pop, "Don't Let The Papers Get You Down"
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