Nik Freitas - Saturday Night Underwater

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 3 / 8 / 2011

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Review

The singer with one of pop music's most affectionate voices releases his carefree sixth solo album. Inspired by Big Star and the Beach Boys, 'Saturday Night Underwater' is easy to digest, and has an immediate charm and appeal. He admits to being "melancholy inclined" on 'Hold That Thought', but there is little grave drama though in his lyrics and the dreamy music. A home recorded one-man band, Nik Freitas sounds typically Californian, yet without a hint of superficiality. His piano sounds a little far away and worn out, which adds just the right feeling to the simple and modest other instrumentation. 'Middle' is the first slightly upbeat pop tune, yet not produced to be played in the car. The production is too feeble to overwhelm the rumble of the highway. It sounds just fine at home and, if you have one, would make perfect listening on the veranda. 'In The Frame' is the next upbeat track, helped out with rolling piano riffs, a jolly brass bit and gorgeous harmonic vocals. The ever-so-gentle immaculate ballad 'Let It Be Known' is one of the best songs on the album. 'Francesca' combines fragility and mystery as well as that uplifting pop beat, and is way too short. 'My Only Sail' is the opposite as it a wee bit too long and rounds off a very pleasant listen.

Track Listing:-

1 Saturday Night Underwater
2 The Light
3 Hold That Thought
4 Little Man
5 Middle
6 Let It Be Known
7 In The Frame
8 Affected
9 Francesca
10 My Only Sail

Label Links:-

http://www.affairsoftheheart.de/