“Why do I feel better on the way down?”
Charming creativity gifted songwriting that’s fearlessly confronting and honest. Nathan Stiteler recaptures the artistry of singer-songwriter exploration, with the raw and unique sentiments and stylings of Curse Words (Hopeless, Thoughtless, Fruitless.)
Essentially an indie-folk anthem that gathers subtle but striking momentum, Curse Words offers a haunting rise-and fall melody, and an acoustic pattern and groove that’s familiar but enchanting.
We’re in Half Moon Run territory, a style complete with dramatic stops and starts that are subtle but effective in enhancing the dynamic. Then there’s the subject matter, a song that lyrically enthrals but leaves you keen to listen again, to better gather your reaction to these ideas, to this story. And on top of this, the near six-minute arrangement consistently evolves – a bigger band switch, a calmer breakdown, a theatrical overall that’s perfectly in keeping with the theme.
Great songwriting, refreshingly original but with just enough of those timeless building blocks to really connect and comfort a modern listener. Nathan Stiteler quite fearlessly ticks a lot of boxes with this release. I look forward to hearing more.
Download or stream Curse Words (Hopeless, Thoughtless, Fruitless). Find Nathan Stiteler on Instagram, Facebook, X.
