No Lonesome - “Cool Waters”

Chicago-based gothic folk pop artist No Lonesome arrives on our blog with the lo-fi splendor of their new release: “Cool Waters.”

Pressing play invites you into the marvelous world of this upbeat and delicate jaunt. The gloriously intimate sounds of acoustic guitar permeate the arrangement atop a bouncing foundation provided by a pulsating bass. There is some sort of chatter foley that pads the production, offering a distinct presence of life with which we immediately fell in love– it brings about the illusion of being surrounded by friends, while still clinging to the comforts of listening alone.

The vocals soon arrive, conjuring a subtle glint of Elliott Smith’s craft, double-tracked to perfection and wonderfully leaning into the melody. Combined with the emergence of the lo-fi beat, “Cool Waters” is able to flow freely through your spirit as it provides a vintage-tinged pep in your step– it is impossible to hear this tune and not be suddenly flooded with positive and carefree vibes.

The graininess and grittiness of the production is a definite highlight for us and we are very glad that No Lonesome chose this analogue path instead of utilizing a commercially polished approach. The result is a delectably timeless sound and “Cool Waters” should find a very comfortable niche among fans of Dr. Dog, Big Thief, and Quasi.

-HD