ALBUM REVIEWS

Album Review: Nacosta – “Under The Half Moon”

Jake Craney
Latest posts by Jake Craney (see all)

LA’s Nacosta are set to release their debut full-length album Under The Half Moon this week. The group’s debut is filled with a collection of tripped-out indie with touches of folk, 60’s style psych-rock, and hazy 90’s pop nostalgia. Each song has its own distinct mood and the overall result is an eclectic mix of tracks that combine to form a thoroughly enjoyable album.

 

Many bands, especially newer ones, will fall into the trap of “supporting the hook” or “complementing the chorus” in which they’ll put all their attention into the chorus and the rest of the song will simply exist as the foundation leading up to said chorus. This is not the case with Under The Half Moon and it’s one of the most pleasant surprises of the album. The intricacy placed on each instrument’s role in the song is clear. The atmospheric and trippy “Fall Apart” (which would make Jim Morrison proud) is suddenly infused with energy from creative and flourishing drum-work. Synth effects turn “14 Feet” from a slow jam into a soaring epic soundscape. Vocal harmonies provide a sunny backbone to “Folie A Deux.” The examples go on and on. This is an album that becomes more impressive the more you allow it to sink in.

 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I love the drums on this album. Far too often the drums simply provide a beat and pulse for a song, but Nacosta utilizes them to stand out, be creative, and at times take over a song. “Sit and Wait” and “Aberlina” are prime examples of percussion making your turn your head and listen up. It’s a refreshing attention to detail like this that makes this an album that deserves major success. UTHM closes on one of its highest notes, with the six minute triumph of “No Fly,” which showcases every element of what the band does well and throws it all together to put a perfect cap on the album.

 

Nacosta’s debut is an excellent soundtrack to a bike ride on the beach. It’s alt/indie/folk with a relaxed approach and impressive variety and attention to detail. Check out the opening track “Sit and Wait” below and visit the band’s website for more!

 

Track Listing:

1. Sit and Wait

2. Paradise Cough

3. Fall Apart

4. 14 Feet

5. Folie A Deux

6. Strangers

7. Aberlina

8. Without Limits

9. Liquor Eyes

10. All The Colors

11. Wingless Bird

12. No Fly

 

Nacosta – “Sit and Wait”