From the first few moments of gnomes‘ latest EP, Microclimbs, this Berlin-based duo has captured our hearts. It’s a shining ray of melodic optimism that we really needed to break up our down days. Across four tracks, the pair move through emotions and memories with surprising ease; it’s almost like shifting from season to season; from brilliant spring to reflective winter.
This EP is also a notable move away from their strictly acoustic past as the duo embraces a richly-textured sonic palette of electric guitars, synth keys, layered vocal harmonies and dynamic percussion. Further adding to the bolder band sound, the vivacious soundscape came to life with help from producer Sam Hanlan and drummer Henry O’Loughlin.
Simultaneously intimate yet expansive, playful yet introspective, Microclimbs navigates themes of isolation and loss in the overwhelming world of social media, societal expectations and goal-hitting culture. What makes this EP refreshing rather than daunting is the light-hearted angle that gnomes always manage to find. That thread of inner turmoil in ‘Lonely Peaches’ and ‘Chilblains’ is wrapped in inviting melodies that round those sharp emotional edges. In closing single ‘Gameboy, 1998’, those bittersweet memories of lost childhood are framed as a darkly comedic contemplation of power and control.
With shades of songwriting masters like Elliott Smith, Aldous Harding and Alex G underpinning gnomes‘ distinct style, this record is an unmissable mix of joy and melancholia. What for some might be a fragile balance, this outfit confidently handles with their sparkling bedroom-pop meets charming indie-rock sound.
You can also listen to album track ‘Gameboy, 1998’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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