What first draws you into N8 ST9 (albeit Nate Stein) music is the sheer catchiness of it; the melodies, the lush soundscapes, the humbly clever lyrics. Then, as you listen more closely to the album Full Circle, you start to realize the depth and genius of the arrangements and the pure, raw talent of the Nate Stein.
Full Circle by N8 ST9 is one of the better albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. They have a very unique style, which stands out in a huge crowd of bands in this genre. Once I started listening to this album, I couldn’t stop. I love albums like that, but at the same time, I all of a sudden will get sick of it and very rarely listen to it again. N8 ST9 has a style, which is immediately good; however, still has room to grow on you. This makes for a very near perfect album.
The calm parts of Full Circle are so nostalgic and relaxing, and could really be interpreted as either sad or melancholic while the up-tempo and vocally inspired songs are joyful and relieving. Here is what you find within the twelve songs on this album: you find touches of the rugged edge that is Godspeed, the beauty of Mogwai and The Postal Service, and something more – much, much more.
Sometimes quiet and brooding and at other times exploding into wall of sound, every song on this album is extremely well written and timed. I think whatever emotion you are feeling before you play this album is only added to, by the status of the songs; sadness, bliss, euphoria, despair etc. N8 ST9’s ability to fuel emotions and thoughts are quite astounding, every song has a personal effect to everyone who listens to it.
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Unlike many ambient, dreamwave or chillwave bands, N8 ST9 deliver some very sweet and catchy melodies that could easily sit on any mainstream radio. In particular; “Morning Hero”, “Forever (feat. Elli Espi)” and “Light Up Myself” ,which has a captivating Paul Simon-like vocal and vibe to it. And that’s probably the major attraction to N8 ST9, his ability to switch from catchy light hearted tunes, to intense orchestrations like “Space”and “Impact”, or electro-dance like “Watching”, right down to minimalistic arrangements like “Deep Down There Is Warmth” and “Intention for Bliss”.
This is emotive music which affects the listener profoundly and personally. N8 ST9 works within a myriad of influences and ultimately creates beautiful soundscapes that are never contrived. My two favorite tracks are “Morning Hero” and “Impact”, which I have been spinning all day long without ever getting tired of them!
Not one song on this album sounds the same as any other, providing an adventurous listen that will keep your ears glued to the music. N8 ST9 makes the synthetic seem organic. His music evolves as he does, I think this is evident in the musical compositions as well as the song titles themselves. I personally find that it’s best to not compare N8 ST9 to anything at all and just accept Full Circle as a standalone diary of Nate Stein’s own journey and discoveries at particular points in time. And if you’re open to it and keep listening to the album from start to finish, you’ll find immense enjoyment within it. N8 ST9, though profound and thought provoking, makes music that is accessible to all ears!
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