Nord (FRA)
The Only Way To Reach The Surface

Release Date: 2020 | Tracklist

The art of opening an album seems somewhat minimized in a music culture conquered by streaming services. Without paying attention to labels or investigating into singles, the introductory track is where the audiophile and creator first meet, establishing expectations and slowly or forcefully pulling the audience further into the depths. There’s a particular thrill to a post-hardcore band metaphorically kicking down the door, screaming “eminent domain!” in your ears and controlling all music listening habits for the ensuing week. I find that something even more exciting is what is not heard—when the guitars aren’t in attack mode just yet or the drumming is relegated to cymbal-tapping in the distance. It’s this subtle, intriguing tactic that “Love” excels at; the first song of sophomore effort The Only Way to Reach the Surface has not a modicum of grit to it, nor does it hint as possessing any in the future. Wavering, auto-tuned vocal harmonies creep in quietly underneath a gentle, ethereal synth contribution, immediately crafting a dreamy air around the tune. When the rest of the band enters the scene, it’s with the same restraint, the drums quietly driving the track as modest, polished strumming follows suit. As stripped-back and relatively plain this appearance is, the refinement that dominates it demonstrates an admirable ability to craft a certain mood in a moderately short time span, gradually bringing the audience under its spell. From here, anything is possible; the wistful wanderings of “Love” could reign supreme or succumb to something more expansive—after all, French collective Nord have the listener in their grasp at this stage. Like waiting for the drop at the top of a theme park ride, the first offering inside The Only Way… generates a sense of anticipation that wouldn’t otherwise be there on a Spotify playlist.

The sudden plunge exhibited in succeeding entry “Violent Shapes” makes it abundantly clear that Nord’s approach is multi-faceted, yet still adhering to that delicate, melancholic aesthetic encountered previously. These Paris gentlemen weave through alternating passages of unassuming, atmospheric forays and direct assaults punctuated by thunderous post-hardcore riffs. A sizable helping of math influence permeates the duration of the record, with clean and harsh vocal performances fluctuating between the dueling heavy and calm sections. It’s a common dichotomy in this specific realm of music, but as displayed in a creation such as “The Unstoppable,” it is executed wonderfully through commendable musicianship, helped in no small part by a knack for songwriting that includes each band member’s individual talent. Twisting guitar lines ignite the aural assault, the rapid percussion kit and commanding bass line providing strong support as the beast plows forward, polished singing giving way to raw screams. Internally, the song functions as a microcosm of the entire album: Melodic tremolos and soaring clean vocals collapse into unexpected breakdowns while powerful crescendos crumble into nothingness, yet they are promptly rebuilt in earnest. Pop sensibilities are intermixed in a boiling pot of post-influences reminiscent of The Hirsch Effekt at the top of their game, possessing a level of unpredictability that makes every second of the track engaging. Nowhere is this more evident than the opening bluesy vocal lines of “Anger Management,” a foot-tapping rhythm and alt-rock instrumental styling harkening to the similarly sporadic-and-melodic-but-contained nature of Exotic Animal Petting Zoo. Despite those comparisons holding considerable weight, neither take away from Nord’s personal take on their chosen sound.

Although punishing at certain moments, the primary strength of The Only Way… resides in the ambiance it is immersed in. Instead of applying absolute aggression and craziness akin to early Fall of Troy, Nord concentrate on erecting landscapes that have more of a space vibe, the focus being on adding depth to that environment and embarking upon various progressions. The intention to maintain an understated haze coupled with a forlorn aura is buttressed by a series of interludes inserted into the record’s existence. These conversions aren’t always quite as defined or pleasing as may be desired—the shift from “Violent Shapes” to the jarring string compositions of “Circular Haze” being the most egregious—but they own a precise purpose in cementing the journey illustrated by the release. Though not necessarily a totally detailed concept album, each arrangement feels interdependent, the entire output becoming less of a singles machine and rather a full experience. All involved formations act as individual, developed steps in an adventure directed towards the towering, 15-minute lifespan of the eponymous track, which consumes the lion’s share of the disc’s humble 44-minute duration. Nord take the opportunity to operate the tune as a collection of their several characteristics. An ominous start transforms to roaring post-hardcore riffing, the resonating guitars rapidly diminishing their attack to compliment a quiet instance of reprieve. The peak-and-valley format endures throughout the titanic expedition, graceful thrumming and soothing chords emerging and eventually blossoming into climactic explosions. Jazzy noodling cohabits with wailing guitars, groovy bass lines and versatile percussion, never once encroaching into the territory of gaudiness or otherwise vapid technicality.

Considering the cohesiveness French collective Nord have imbued in their latest construction, ignoring “Love” and proceeding straight to the conclusion would be a disservice; the finale would lack thematic impact and the voyage would be less rewarding. The record presented here is unequivocally designed for an observant listening session, not a skip-through romp. There are unfortunately downsides that arise, namely due to the aforementioned interludes—a problem also shared with The Hirsch Effekt—for while they diligently obey to an overarching objective, they generally disrupt rather than compliment the experience. And, though respectable in its scope and tonally consistent, the enormous title track overstays its welcome, perhaps wandering off too much for its own good. For every flaw and potential nitpick, there is an equal amount of praise to be had in how Nord works. In every moment of The Only Way…, the Paris crew is making the most of their amalgamated resources in order to produce a complete escapade through lush soundscapes, stunning melodies, and mesmerizing ambiance. Also worthy of distinction is how the band manages to preserve that sneaking sense of fascination or curiosity, sitting back in a rollercoaster car and watching the rails rise above you. The chilling synths of “We Have to Burn Down this Submarine” and the ensuing guitar onslaught are an incredible display and they exemplify the enthralling setting that Nord lays out. However, if every step is taken beforehand and the entirety of The Only Way… is allowed to settle in, the greater picture at play becomes richer. What the listener is left to unpack is a work of art that unravels when met on its own terms: One-on-one, with compilation videos tabbed out, and no distractions. The ensuing blend of musical categories is an excellent, memorable album that demands repeat visits—not a list.

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3.7 great