Nantes - Self-Titled (EP)
Nantes have been getting a fair amount of airtime on Triple J in the last half of 2011. Their song ‘Fly’ got people all abuzz and understandably so, as it shows the band’s incredible potential. When listening to them, it's hard to believe they're a band who have only been together for a year. They sound so comfortable with their own sound that the buzz around them is justified. Think 'The Strokes' circa 2001. As a huge Strokes fan I don’t use that comparison lightly, let this be a warning; Nantes are set to own 2012.
Unfortunately this isn’t an album, an EP, only a cheeky four tracks as well. It whets the appetite, but leaves you wanting more due to its brevity. Luckily the four tracks are “dirty-pop” perfection. The earlier Strokes reference is fitting, as they have a similar air to them, their sound is far more upbeat and less guitar based, but singer Ben Tennikoff has a sense of easy confidence about him. That’s just from the voice, whether or not he is like that in person, you get the sense he would have the sort of swagger about him that Julian Casablancas does.
‘Fly’ kicks off the release, and for anyone who has already had the pleasure of listening knows, it is kind of hard to define or find just one artist or song to compare it to. It has flowing keys, an uplifting chorus, sing-along type backing vocals, hand claps, and drums that are nearly tribal complete with a twinkly sound, perhaps from a xylophone, it’s hard to tell. It also doesn’t really matter, because the result is absolutely tremendous. When you’re finding yourself trying to pick apart a song to figure out why you like it so much and you just can’t, that probably means that every part of it is necessary to make it that good. ‘Fly’ is certainly that rare type of song.
I think the opening track is the strongest of the EP, but not by a lot, the rest are of similar quality. ‘Control’ is less melodic and more synth based with classic rock vocals. It’s a good song, but just because it is after ‘Fly’ it is always going to slightly fail to live up to its predecessor. ‘Charlie’ is next up, and Tennikoff’s vocals feature an abrasive edge to them, that when combined with the return of the melodic feel of the opening track, works well.
‘Lost’ closes the disc. It begins in an experimental mood, with a white noise ambience coupled with the twinkly xylophonic sounds of ‘Fly’. Just over half way through it builds into a choir of “noise”, because they’re singing but not saying anything. The drums are prominent and sound like waves crashing into shore. Which work perfectly when the choir sounding singing comes back in on top of it. This track show’s how the band do not fit into any one category and that when they get round to an album, the lead single could sound like anything. The only guarantee is that it’ll be good, very good, just like this first EP.
For a band that only formed late last year, they sound so very “together” and in touch with their own sound. I’m very excited to hear what they do next and how they handle the hype that’s sure to continue to build until the eventual release of their debut album. But for now don’t worry about that, instead, part with a few dollars and purchase this EP, it’ll be an investment that will become part of the soundtrack to your summer, and one you won’t regret.
