The start of a new year is always a good time to reflect and look forward, all at the same time.
An album that manages to complete this feat is the debut full length album from Sydney local Nick De La Hoyde. ‘A Beautiful Mess’ is as far from a mess as you can get. It’s a beauty.
Nick has been releasing music since 2014 and while his earlier stuff was a direct reference to hip hop and R&B, life has changed his approach to music further.
More moody yet beautifully arranged, the music feels fresh and interesting.
On ‘Better With You’, the instrumentation is unique and different. It features some great melodies and things that are unexpected but surprise and delight the listener. I like the attention to detail across this collection of songs in general.
It’s interesting that I seem to like some of the older tunes on the record – it’s like they were originally released ahead of their time and didn’t make sense on their own. ‘Ghost’ and ‘High’ rank highly for me amongst this collection of songs. Or perhaps it’s just that the other songs bring the full story together.
I think what I have appreciated most here is the variety of and dynamic approach to the songs. Nothing sounds mundane or predictable.
In the intro to the album, Nick talks about getting back to basics and reflecting on how things were simpler when we were younger. It’s a great way to ground himself but also remember what’s important – something reflected here.
Much like the second album from Harry Styles, Nick De La Hoyde’s ‘A Beautiful Mess’ has truly caught my attention.
It’s high quality, fresh and modern pop music.
A perfectly good way to start off the year and a must listen.
VERDICT : 4/5.
MUST LISTEN : Ghost, Better With You, High.
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