Album Review: An Outstanding Debut by Austin’s Nané
Austin indie rock and soul band Nané released their well-received, self-titled debut album in November. After dropping the single “Quaranteen” earlier in the year, the LP that followed is simply outstanding. In a year loaded with music that explored the social stressors and our angst-filled collective psyche, this record is particularly refreshing in that it takes a different tack.
Daniel Sahad (vocals) and Ian Green (guitar) met at UT a few years back and began writing original music together not long after. JaRon Marshall (keyboard), Scott McIntyre (bass) and Brady Knippa (drums) later joined after the pair both performed with Marshall’s solo project and Knipp’s Dayglow act. The group has been performing to sold-out crowds around the Austin area for about two years, opening for such bands as Black Pumas, Eric Tessemer and Bob Schneider.
Grammy-winning drummer John Speice IV (Grupo Fantasma, Brownout) produced the band’s debut effort, even playing percussion on the record. Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada, already a noted local producer provided his expertise in the mixing and engineering of Nané‘s eponymous first album.
“This I Know” introduces the album with a classic rock sound and a shredding guitar solo. The track is a nice introduction to the group. “Always On My Mind” is a soulful R&B number that features Sahad’s exceptional talent at belting out vocals, displaying his impressive, dynamic range. From soft falsetto to vehement, emotive vocal delivery, Sahad establishes his potent presence early on in this track listing.
“Clementine Tree” is a chill number and one of Nané’s catchier tracks. That hook is as potent as Sahad’s vocal prowess. The bluesy rock number, “Much Too Much,” picks up the tempo before “Pink Jag” brings the album back to a more mellow, languid pace.
The record continues with thickly layered tunes that will adhere to your eardrums and reel through your mind for days. “Something’s Got To Give” deals with frustration due to lack of needed change. It’s likely the album’s most moving track. The LP finishes with “Can’t Get Enough,” a tune that encapsulates the vibe of the album exquisitely. The title is apropos, you want to hear more despite the completeness of the work.
Aside from the expertly executed instrumentation and high production quality, Sahad’s vocals stand out throughout the LP. His wide range from whispered falsetto to emphatically powerful vocal performance reveals him as a musical force. There is no denying his extraordinary talent as he is simply masterful throughout the album.
Nané is ten tracks of what could honestly be an opus for many bands but is the instead the spectacular debut for the upstart Austin group. All elements of this LP cohesively fit together, smoothly delivering funky soul and indie rock tunes, laced with Texas grit. It is transcendent, innovative and one of the year’s best albums.
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