TRACK REVIEW:
Noralyn
New Tricks
9.5/10
The track, New Tricks, is available via:
https://soundcloud.com/noralynmusic/03-new-tricks-1
GENRE:
Pop
ORIGIN:
Brisbane, Australia
The E.P., Lucid Dreaming, is available via:
https://open.spotify.com/album/20DRz2PnbS9TlZsQA7YdxE
RELEASE DATE:
15th June, 2018
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WHEN speaking about Noralyn…
I get the chance to look at very interesting sides of music. I will address Brisbane and the music coming from Australia; artists who have that ethereal, captivating sound; lyrics that conspire and compel incredible scenes and visions; bringing international artists over to the U.K. – revealing a bit more on social media pages. I will start by looking at Australia – a nation I do not get to talk about too much when it comes to music. The past few months have been full of great artists and sounds: I cannot recall whether an Australian artist has been among the included. I feel it is a part of the world that gets overlooked and we do not really assimilate into our daily lives. It is a bit annoying to think the media has their limit and boundaries; unwilling to look beyond the U.K. and U.S. when it comes to great artists. I am one of those people who wants to get out of an easy headspace and comfort zone. I have spent a lot of time looking at British and American artists and have not really got round to Australia. I hope that changes and I get to uncover a lot of great Australian acts because, when you look at Noralyn; she has an amazing sound and differs from anything out there. We look at Australia and most of us tend to stick with Melbourne or Sydney. Although Melbourne is my favourite part of the nation; I realise there is a rich seam of music running through the country. Look at Hobart and Victoria; have a listen to what is happening just outside the big cities and you will find some amazing and memorable artists. From The Go-Betweens, Savage Garden and The Veronicas; there have been some great artists to emerge from Brisbane. Cub Sport and Dune Rats are two of the more recent acts to come from that area – look closely and you will see plenty of fantastic acts from that part of the nation.
Babaganouj, Future Haunts and Sweater Curse are a few local, upcoming acts that are worth investigating if you want to see what is coming from Brisbane. I am not surprised Noralyn has a great sound and is allowed to flourish. She is working in an area with a vibrant and varied scene; some great venues such as The Zoo and Brooklyn Standard. It is an interesting part of the world and, like all great cities, there is no one particular sound: there is a wide variety of artists that add so much colour and variation. I am drawn to Noralyn because she defines what Brisbane is all about. I am excited to see what happens next and where she heads. She is taking from the local scene and vibing from all the sounds around her. My point is we need to look at nations like Australia and how much great music is emerging from here. We get too hooked on obvious parts of the world and forget there are places like Australia – producing music that rivals the very best out there. I love Brisbane because it does not have the hustle and crowds of Sydney/Melbourne but there is a growing and intriguing music culture. Noralyn is one of the best artists coming from Brisbane but I feel, in time, she might move to a larger area in order to progress her music. It is a pivotal and busy time for the young songwriter; a new E.P. is out and there will be ambitions that see her travel the world and take in new sights. As wonderful as Brisbane is for talent and opportunities; I feel it is a great starting point and education for artists who want to progress and get their name out there. I wonder whether Noralyn will go to, say, Melbourne or to the U.S. in time. She seems happy where she is and is reacting to all the sensational talent and people around her.
I listen to Noralyn and you get sensations of Tori Amos and Kate Bush. These artists are defined by a sense of flight and fantasy. Their vocals and mannerisms are not conventional; the songwriting is more fantastical and inventive – not your average and predictable love songs, for instance. Those legends have made their name by producing music that takes you to amazing places and gets you thinking. The songs are imaginative and dreamy; the performances striking and mesmeric. With Noralyn, she employs some of Amos’ power and emotional weight but brings in her own blends. Listen to the songs on Lucid Dreaming and the title says it all: there is a lot of fantasy and dreaminess that I miss from modern music. So many artists, these days, go for direct and uncomplicated. Songs, whether love songs or not, tend to be simpler and do not push boundaries regarding language. There are exceptions but there is a need for musicians to connect fully with the audience – people want something accessible and straight. Maybe that is an over-simplification but I am seeing few artists who use inventive language and take risks. It is good to see Noralyn come through and challenge the listener a bit more. I guess, in a way, we have Florence + the Machine: someone who picks from artists like Kate Bush and Tori Amos but adds her owns spin. She seems like an outcast when you look at the very conventional and straight-laced music coming from the mainstream. I am hearing some brilliant artists who rival her mannerisms and potent songwriting. The trouble is, like all innovative and pioneering artists; it takes that much longer to get to the top and pierce the public mindset. I am not sure what the music scene is like in Brisbane/Australia but I guess the mainstream still has the same limitations. Noralyn is operating in a part of the country that encourages artists to be expressive and reveal who they really are.
As much as I love bands that are punchy and get to the point; I like to mix that up with musicians who employ language in a different way and have that incredible depth. I can imagine Noralyn’s early life saw her rifle through vinyl and prick her ear to the beguiling sounds coming from the radio. I have mentioned artists like Tori Amos and Kate Bush; put in Regina Spektor and Alicia Keys and you can see where Noralyn’s skin and identity has come from. Like I said; she uses these artists as a guide and adds her own spin on their work. Classical music and film scores also compelled the young artist; faith and God made an impact (and still do) and, when you stir this all together, you have a colourful and heady brew. I think influences are really important when trying to define an artist. If you spend your time listening to Punk and Pop then, likely, your own music is going to lean heavily on those sounds. Noralyn takes guidance from local artists and national tastes but bonds with artists who made an impression on her when she was young. The women I have mentioned – like Spektor and Bush – are strong and determined figures who have carved their own path and never played it safe. They have made their own way through music and, as such, been free to create as they feel fit. More and more, I see conventional and restricted artists come through who are trying to fit in with a particular scene. Maybe they are looking for streaming records or want to please the charts; they might want that all-important radio-play or follow what is already out there. Where are the risk-taking acts and those who make something natural to them? Noralyn is someone who can appeal to a wide audience but realises it vital being who you are and making music that feels right and natural – something a lot of other artists can learn from.
I have mentioned the sound and idols behind Noralyn’s sound: lyrics and language are a big part of what the Australian artist does. Look at the songs that appear on Lucid Dreaming and they are almost novel-like in their power and descriptiveness. One is presented with brilliant stories and images that get into the head and make you think. That is not to say it is hard to understand what is being said: the songs definitely resonate and it is great discovering an artist who can connect with the audience and make their voice known. I have not had time to review the whole E.P. but I have listened to the songs and engrossed myself in the wild, wonderful and beautiful scenes. You listen to Noralyn sing and those words come to life in such an extraordinary and intense way. I have followed her career for a few years now and can see where she has come from. Her songwriting has become more ambitious and she has raised her game. The music she was putting out there a few years ago was fantastic but I think, in the past year or so, she has incorporated new elements and sounds into her locker. What amazes me is how Noralyn creates her own world and can present stories of love and self-determination in such an impactful way. I guess her E.P., and its lucid dreaming and visions, is meant to step away from the ordinary and present something that peaks the imagination. Maybe one can draw back to those songwriters like Tori Amos and Kate Bush who, between them, have used the English language in wonderful ways. They are capable of being direct and stark; they discuss love and pride together with loss and longing – they have never been ones for doing things simply and like everyone else. Those songwriters have built a legacy from being candid but stepping from the boring and precise. Their music has inspired those who think differently and want to express themselves in a more profound and imaginative way.
I have alluded to Noralyn’s faith and how important that is to her. Whilst it is always hard to draw a line between music and religion; you can see parallels with Noralyn. She has a very deep and committed faith and I wonder whether that drives what she writes about and how she approaches music. Rather than be spiked and accusatory with her music – throwing in grenades and being harsh – there is a lot more patience and compassion that comes through. You do get moments of heartbreak and anger but, for the most part, the music has a faithful and logical heart that keeps things rational and inspiring. Too many songwriters, when speaking of love and themselves, are too anxious, angered and vengeful. You can bond with what they are saying but only because the language is quite negative and tense. Maybe I am going down a blind alley but I feel there is a connection between faith and religion and Noralyn’s outlook. She goes through the same pains and struggles as all of us but never makes one feel unease or depressed. The music is always positive and the heroine wants to make things better. She is not looking for punishment and does not want others to suffer. Too many modern artists are either too inward-looking and suffocated or they talk about love in very spiteful and sorrowful terms – they might speak of lust and do so in an explicit and unsophisticated way. Noralyn is a different proposition indeed. What we get is a songwriter who has that intelligence and compassion; her heart beats the same as us but she is a more sophisticated, loving and forgiving woman. Maybe I am painting her as being submissive and passive but that is not my aim at all. What I am trying to say is all of the things we know about her – that faith and attachment to iconic women; the area she lives in and her determination – defines what she writes about and how her lyrics leap from the page. You get different sensations and emotions from someone who wants to make big moves in music and make real changes.
I wanted to talk about international artists because, for the most part, they are kept at arm’s length. You hear them on the radio but, in this day and age, how realistic is it for all of them to tour and come over here? It is expensive to travel and it can be difficult for artists to come to countries like the U.S. and U.K. to play. There are some brilliant American artists I want to see over here that cannot afford to tour. It is challenging getting the support and then, when you have it, getting a budget together so you can play. It is even harder for artists out of Australia to make those long trips. Noralyn is someone who would find loving hearts and ears over in the U.K. and, in fact, could go on and so well in Europe and the U.S. I hark back to my point about Australia and why we do not focus on musicians from here. Maybe we discover artists through gigs and airplay; that is harder to come by when the artist is so far away. Australia is a great nation that constantly produces music that stands alongside the very best. There is a lot of ground to cover in Australia, so one knows artists there have plenty of opportunities. I feel a country’s music scene is richer and more alluring if we sprinkle in foreign artists. Most of the acts we have touring in the U.K. come from here and, whilst that is natural; I would like to see talent from all around the world perform near me. Maybe finance and logic mean we are going to see fewer international artists come here and perform. I review and interview a lot of international musicians and always ask them whether they are coming to the U.K. Some say they are coming soon but many need to build up their fanbase and have not got the money to play here.
Noralyn is a great talent that will turn heads for sure. I am not certain what her plans are but I know there are very few like her where we are. The U.K. and U.S. can benefit from someone like her that tackles myriad themes and does so in a very special and beautiful way. Social media is great for bringing artists to the international fore but it is only effective if people share music and takes the time to push things out there. Maybe a 2019 gig here will be on the cards for Noralyn. I think she has the potential and promise to do very well here and established a great base. The U.S. is another nation that would take her to heart and give her plenty of new fans. I often feel sorry for Australian artists because they are so far away from countries like America and England. Even if they do have a following over here, it is not always possible to tour and spend a lot of time enjoying the local sounds. My wish is Noralyn’s music is given a proper push here and, in time, she is afforded the opportunity to play some gigs here. Every musical nation is made strong when you add international artists into the pot. We do have foreign talent playing here but they tend to be from the U.S. or Europe. I will move on soon but I wanted to highlight Noralyn’s international promise and the fact she could do very well here. Lucid Dreaming has been out a little while and has won some great reviews and plenty of praise. It will get her gigs in Australia and see her stock rise there. She has already launched the E.P. and it was met with a passionate and willing crowd. There are many people over here that want to see the E.P. up-close and in the flesh – I wonder whether Noralyn will come to Britain next year/later this year and play to us. There are radio stations and venues that would love to have her and could give her some support.
Noralyn has a great social media spread and keeps her images, videos and news updated. You can follow what she is doing and she never leaves too big a gap when it comes to her news. We know what is going on and what her plans are for the future. Whilst it is good to know her movements and know when new material is approaching; I am interested in knowing more about the artist and where she came from. A lot of artists keep themselves a bit guarded when it comes to biography because they feel that clouds your views on the music and creates too much bias. I can understand why artists would want to give little in that sense and let the music do all the talking. I know giving too much away is unnecessary but it would be cool to discover which artists Noralyn grew up around and when music came into her life. I know some of her idols but I would be interested to know other musicians that compelled her and how her career has developed. To bond with an artist; knowing where they have come from and how they have moved gives you more information and can help when it comes to bonding. Noralyn, as I said, has a great official website and her social media pages are full and updated. I am interested to know what she thinks of the Brisbane scene and what tour dates are coming up; when her first gig was and where she draws songwriting inspiration from. All of these little pieces add to the jigsaw and gives you a more rounded impression of the songwriter. What we have now is great – and know who Noralyn is – but I am compelled to discover about her early years and what lit the fuse for the fantastic artist. In any case; we know there is a new E.P. out and things are going well for the Brisbane resident. Let us, then, get to the music itself and see why so many people are throwing their love in the direction of Noralyn.
There are some songs on Lucid Dreaming that look at moving forward and have a positive view. New Tricks, if anything, has a bit of tension beating in the heart. It is a song that promotes positivity and steadiness but there are nerves and a sense of unrest working away. The song begins with tender keys and the heroine’s tremulous, beautiful voice. She comes in strong and striking; imploring someone to remain steady and not lose what they have – do not say the first thing that comes to mind. The voice jumps, twists and dances as the heroine talks about bombs, bullets and hurricanes of emotion. Maybe she is in a relationship where there have been good times but, at the moment, there is a bit of stress and uncertainty. Perhaps there have been needless arguments or the two have been saying things and regretting it later. There is love and togetherness but that compassion and trust is being threatened by unstable conversations and petulant thoughts. It is hard to know whether the heroine herself has been culpable of letting her emotions rule the heart. I guess she has said things she regrets but, largely, it seems like the man is the one who is letting things get to him. I said how Noralyn writes songs that keep positive and inspiring – not as anxious and spiteful as many – and there is definitely a sense of keeping a level head and not casting blame. The beat continues to punch and there is underlying shimmers and shivers. The composition remains light but has an imperious and potent drive. The voice is allowed to abide and reign; it is top of the mix and, importantly, not drowned out or lost. Our heroine presents her words with so much physicality, movement and expression. It is an amazing experience and one that makes you imagine and dream. I was looking at the lovers talk and what was happening in the song. There is that passion and connection but things have gone a little sour.
The heroine does not want things to crumble and knows there is a lot invested in the relationship. She knows neither of them are saints and they make mistakes like everyone else. These common and obvious realisations seem to be spoiling something that has endured and survived for a long time. As the instruments rise and the vocals layer – more spirited and ecstatic – the heroine wants to learn new tricks to handle this moment better. Both are working to improve the situation but it seems, unless changes are made; they might lose what they have and it could lead to heartbreak. As those vocals explode and things get more bellicose; you are drawn to the intensity and rushing waves. Compromise and understanding are at the heart of everything unfolding. The heroine wants to step over to the hero’s side and figure out what is happening. Rather than name-call and walk away from something good; she is taking a mature and reasoned approach that is more productive than you’d imagine. Many would hide away and wallow in misery and hurt: Noralyn is willing to take measures and steps to keep the love alive and not see it break. Piano flourishes and there are electronic buzzes; percussion beats and the song gets hotter and fuller. The blood runs hot and the eyes widen as the heroine’s voice flies and the words trickle out. Neither of them is perfect and she knows having a mirror – an emotional one – makes it all clearer. She loves him and they both want a better life. By reasoning and compromising; there is far less destructiveness and, it seems, they can salvage what they have. New Tricks is an inspiring song that will give heart and guidance to those in a similar situation. You will listen to New Tricks once and be struck by its electricity, passion and light. The lyrics will stay in the mind and the music will bounce around the heart; the song will keep coming back to you during the day and you’ll want to return and unpick the track.
Noralyn has been busy the last few weeks promoting her music and getting her E.P. to the people. Lucid Dreaming has been talked about and the excitement has been building. I wonder where she is going in terms of touring. I imagine there will be Brisbane gigs but, looking ahead, more Australian dates will surely follow. Maybe a U.K. date is not a reality this year but I know many will want to see Noralyn here next year. Lucid Dreaming is an E.P. you need in your life and, while I have focused on New Tricks; every track on the E.P. is brilliant and sticks in the mind. There are very few out there like Noralyn: we should look out at music and encourage new talent to follow her lead and think more deeply. I know there are musicians who take risks and are more inventive with their lyrics. Noralyn does not chase trends and write in very basic and simple ways. She challenges the listeners and paints vivid, imaginative portraits that fascinate and stun. There are very few artists who take this approach – I wonder whether there are too many risks or few think they will fit in the mainstream. It has been a busy and exciting year for Noralyn. She has released a fantastic new work and brought her music to new faces. The summer is here so there will be gig opportunities and chances to get her E.P. to fresh sources. I hope more people follow her music and, in time, she is given the chance to play internationally. Unique artists are hard to find, and so, when you do discover those with more to say; stick by them and ensure they get as far and wide as possible. Allow yourself some time to get involved with Lucid Dreaming and what it is all about. It is a perfect E.P. to fall inside and let it take you away. The music is amazingly varied and captivating; the songs will come to mind when you least expect and you will surely fall for Noralyn with ease. Lucid Dreaming is a fantastic release that proves long-term success and glory…
IS a definite reality.
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