Album Review/ Folk : Nothing Concrete’s ‘The Imperfectionist’

Nothing Concrete weaves a bustling folk rock culture. Blending it with moments of world music, funk, swing, country and Cumbia, a new and unique atmosphere emerges. A mixed bag of music that is related with each other on fluid similarities with, matching rhythm plates, spontaneous melodies, new patterns and fresh perspectives. Their latest release is ‘The Imperfectionists’ is a collection of their latest flow, their newest jam. It’s so interesting how they contextually involve the culture of music within each other. In each track, it is a different mosaic, a river to flow with. 

In ‘The Boats’ we see a saxophone tail crossing a landscape of bluesy rock, alt folk, and retro textures. We see some middle-eastern sequences, plenty but each style distinct and every feature accounted for. In ‘Broken Bird’ they superimpose European accordion melodies over warm jazz effusions. There are some Latin influences, blues silently detailing the backdrop, the atmosphere and energy. 

‘Cometh the Hour’ has a festive introduction, setting the mood for the rest of the track. Swaying melodies are pleasantly matched with big funk grooves. The vocals have a spoken word soul influence. The sincerity is fused with style, the old mixed with the neo. Old blues with neo soul. ‘Empty Whisky Bottle Mariachi Blues’ has that ball room sophistication but also the dusty barn swing music. The vocals are world weary, nostalgic and full of human sensibilities. 

‘He Don’t Do Much of That Now’ is abjectly retro. Especially in its rhythm. The melodic swing is animated by a funk spirit, a delightful jazz confusion and throaty vocal blues. The title track is a slow rise. Some reggae inspired rhythm stamps, built into a romantic blues night. The vocals drag dramatically, almost seductive and full of that sailor’s melancholy. It’s as if they’re hot for the imperfection, as it manifests in love, people, places and time. 

‘John Henry Lee’ is drawn on with neoclassicals, contemplative storytelling, and a mellow swing rhythm. ‘No Force’ and ‘The Western’ conclude the song with a bit of an umph. The rushing rhythm, the theatrical vocal tension, and the energy of it. It is full of the underdog spirit, the rebels, the outliers, the imperfectionists. Listen Now! 

Check out their Instagram, Facebook!

The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘The Imperfectionist’ by Nothing Concrete here -