Noliota is a fascinating second album from – French singer songwriter who writes stories of absence, lust and longing, and sings them so gently that you hardly notice them creeping under your skin.
After hearing the first three tracks I didn't want to leave room, cos she'd managed to create a fabulous atmosphere in there. Unfortunatley, I was cooking bacon, so I kept having to leave. Shame really because Nolita really deserves your full attention.
Ok, so its soft and gentle and ideal for a night in beside the fire, or, if you will, storage heater; but its unrelenting melancholy means it won't be liked by everyone. Then again, it sure is beautiful, and, as Keran explains in the lengthy sleeve notes she provides, there's a difference between melancholy and sadness, and its kind of true – its not a depressing album at all, but it's a distinction that might be lost if you only listen to it in passing.
Half the album is sung in French – and unless she's singing about having one sister and liking le discoteque, I'm not going to understand her – but herein lies her strength, because it still sounds great despite the fact I have no idea what her stories are about.
Not an album for everyone, but pretty decent – she resists the temptation to slide into pop, and avoids many of the clichés that catch out many singer-songwriters, so, if you're a fan of soft, beautiful music, I'd recommend it.
Rating: 3/5
Record Label: EMI
Release Date: 27th June
Words By: John Culkin
