Smokey backstreet jazz grooves and tribal rhythms back up a uniquely quiet and breathy vocal lead, as Noah $tout delivers a timeless and refreshing authenticity and charm, for his newly released album 2007.
Beginning with it ain’t much, we’re introduced to a modest artist in both performance and lyric, and that voice captivates in this setting – an alluring, organic groove, and a series of nearly-whispered, conscious, poetic bars.
It’s an uplifting listen to a degree, but also comfortingly chill, and the subsequent LoveisLost elevates the writing strengths further still, but forgoes the upbeat aspect. This shift in dynamic and mood is captivating, suddenly the poetry and tiredness, the longing, rings out in a poignant, unignorable way, and this is beautifully raw and engaging as it pours through. The album is off to an intimate, hopeful then heart-breaking start, and it only grows more piercing in its humanity.
As Simpler Times hits, the old-school gospel and strings combo meets with a heartfelt story that’s rhythmic and gripping by nature, another strong groove, unique and thoughtful, nostalgic. The old-school boom-bap vocal is mildly present, but it’s softer, something like Verb T or Homeboy Sandman, only smooth and smartly literary. who is U follows beautifully, and takes that literary depth into the realm of personal anecdotes in a way that feels both relevant and sincere.
While the music is easy and evocative to lose yourself within, there’s also plenty to unpack lyrically throughout 2007. Consider Darkest Patches, a catchy jam that seems to understand and connect with you as you navigate the darkness of modern life, but the closer you look, the more insight, the sharper the wordplay, and the more revealing the sentiments. Noah $tout does this with every track, an easy listen on the surface, but so much more depth and detail as you revisit, and that’s the gift and realness of the sound.
On that note, do Or die opens with a reference to it being the feeling of the sound, rather than the quality, that matters most. The quality is actually second to none here, but it’s undoubtedly held higher by the feeling, the purity and presence of each emotional journey and groove, each set of bars, and the storytelling; as well as the quiet but striking vocal integrity and character.
LAVISH compels you to tune in closely and provokes thought, while TRUST follows with a fascinating balance of upbeat, bright production and heartbroken, strained and unsettled vocals and lyrics – that contrast is gripping again, and makes this an impassioned and unignorable highlight. There’s something raw and unfiltered about the performance that adds a lot to the depth and honesty of the lyrics.
With Foolishness, the music keeps the mood constant, while the lyrics shine light on the story of our protagonist more literally, and by this penultimate moment, these memories and bars, this journey and personality, are beginning to piece together. There’s no ‘big hit’ to mention here, but that’s a great thing, in my view. Noah $tout makes music for the love of it, from a sheer need to do so, and that quality makes you want to listen right the way throughout.
To finish, the 1930’s early cinema strings and atmospheric design are brilliantly spacious and moody, as we’re presented with a catchy groove and a smooth dose of romance and playful charm, for the earworm and head-bopping jam mystery.
When you then dive back into 2007 for a second and third time, the hooks and beats are familiar, so the lyrics and these diary-like outpourings connect and shine all the more brightly. It’s a gem of a listen, unlimited by time or story, rooted in mood and purpose, and for all of these reasons, these tracks are a pleasure to let fill the space.
