Nicholaas Walle is a half-Irish and half-Dutch self-produced multi-instrumentalist based in Ireland. Some of the instruments he plays are the guitar, bass (fretless and fretted), some keyboards, singing, the triangle and the egg shaker. Walle fully utilizes these instruments and more on his latest EP Plays Music that sees Walle doing exactly that ‘playing music.’ But to a greater extent, he is doing more than just going through the motions of just playing his instruments. This was a bedroom recording and the project sees him fully investing himself into the music. This tireless DIY mentality sees itself even in the instrument he plays. The album for the most part featured his main electric guitar, which is an instrument he assembled himself from components he purchased at the age of 16, making the project feel very hands-on. The artwork, which displays a target with Walle’s name and album title at the center, was designed and created by Walle. Dipping into all aspects of the album, the endeavor is through and through his undertaking. A mixture of digital and acoustic instrumentation, Walle’s attachment to the DIY spirit is evident in his forays into electronic, progressive rock and classic rock territories.
Plays Music hits it with “A Tear Between Two,” where percussive beats sound out in the backdrop of some giant sounding guitars. The soaring guitar riffs spread out in an expansive sound. The sweeping notes feel very epic in nature. The guitar solo is freeing. Walle has abandoned himself into the rock sounds, throwing himself full-throttle into the music. On “Calm Within A Storm,” some bass and guitars highlight the sounds on the intro here. Underneath these sounds is the steady sound of beats that adds a distinctive traction to the track. The atmosphere felt very mellow and laid-back as synths amp up the vibe. This felt like a piece where mood and ambience played an important part in the recording. On “Lifting Off,” some funky bass underlines this song. As the sonic frequencies of the guitar rev and spiral in an out-of-control fashion, the guitar wails with a voice of its own. The sound really carries and takes flight. More guitars create a shimmering and melodious sound towards the start of “I Run Away.” As the beat becomes faster-paced so does the rest of the instrumentals. The guitar solo is savage. Walle is perfectly at ease on this instrument. He deftly maneuvers the guitar, bending it to his will and the sounds that come out are out-of-this-world. Walle decisively closes with this tight-knit number. In this four-track instrumental collection, singular guitar riffs overlaid over beats and percussive elements highlight a sound that has its moments in bluesy rock and the prog genres with a heightened modernized context that makes this an equal parts journey of the past and present. With a foot in both worlds, Walle also sets his sights in the future. This recording has tons of potential and I look forward to what new music he comes up with next.
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