Nate Amos, the mastermind behind Brooklyn-based duo Water From Your Eyes, has been quietly crafting left-field pop that's as wry as it is hypermodern. But what really sets him apart is his solo project This Is Lorelei, which has been gaining traction over the past few years. The duo's breakthrough came in 2023 with album Box for Buddy, Box for Star, but Amos himself has been working on this solo venture for even longer.
Amos's latest release is a compilation of re-recorded tracks from his extensive Bandcamp back catalogue, and it's a gentle folk-rock affair that deals in honeyed melancholy. These songs are brief, narratively vague, and touch on themes of regret, disappointment, and darkness. While they may not be as sonically bold as Amos's WFYE output, they showcase a knack for pleasingly diverting detail – see the chunky pop-punk bassline on "Name the Band" or the bright guitar twang on "Dreams Away."
In terms of stylistic influence, it's clear that Amos is drawing comparisons to indie-rock stalwart Alex G. While he may not be able to match G's lyrical punch, he certainly shares his knack for crafting catchy melodies and pleasing sonic textures.
This Is Lorelei isn't quite as compelling as Amos's other project – a more eclectic and avant-garde venture that showcases the singer-songwriter's full range of skills. But this collection of sweet-sad acoustic fare is still an enjoyable listen, and its opportunistic repackaging makes it a worthwhile addition to Amos's discography.
What's notable about this release is how it highlights Amos's ability to tap into a more introspective side of his songwriting. These re-recorded tracks feel like a natural extension of the themes and moods that have defined his solo work up until now. And while they may not be as bold or experimental as some of his other material, they're still a testament to Amos's skill as a songwriter and his ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Ultimately, This Is Lorelei is a pleasant surprise from an artist who has been quietly building a reputation for himself in the indie music scene. It may not be a game-changer, but it's certainly worth listening to – especially if you're a fan of Amos's work with Water From Your Eyes or his more experimental solo projects.
Amos's latest release is a compilation of re-recorded tracks from his extensive Bandcamp back catalogue, and it's a gentle folk-rock affair that deals in honeyed melancholy. These songs are brief, narratively vague, and touch on themes of regret, disappointment, and darkness. While they may not be as sonically bold as Amos's WFYE output, they showcase a knack for pleasingly diverting detail – see the chunky pop-punk bassline on "Name the Band" or the bright guitar twang on "Dreams Away."
In terms of stylistic influence, it's clear that Amos is drawing comparisons to indie-rock stalwart Alex G. While he may not be able to match G's lyrical punch, he certainly shares his knack for crafting catchy melodies and pleasing sonic textures.
This Is Lorelei isn't quite as compelling as Amos's other project – a more eclectic and avant-garde venture that showcases the singer-songwriter's full range of skills. But this collection of sweet-sad acoustic fare is still an enjoyable listen, and its opportunistic repackaging makes it a worthwhile addition to Amos's discography.
What's notable about this release is how it highlights Amos's ability to tap into a more introspective side of his songwriting. These re-recorded tracks feel like a natural extension of the themes and moods that have defined his solo work up until now. And while they may not be as bold or experimental as some of his other material, they're still a testament to Amos's skill as a songwriter and his ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Ultimately, This Is Lorelei is a pleasant surprise from an artist who has been quietly building a reputation for himself in the indie music scene. It may not be a game-changer, but it's certainly worth listening to – especially if you're a fan of Amos's work with Water From Your Eyes or his more experimental solo projects.