Nost. - Sitting on Fences

Nost. are an outstanding chamber-folk indie-punk rock band from Edmonton, Alberta. Incorporating spoken word poetry and a large palate of folk instrumentation, Nost. demonstrate they are well deserving of your attention on Sitting on Fences, an album that exceeds at the fringe of outsider art-rock.

The underwhelming production is no handicap to Nost.’s punchy drums, timbric exploration and folk fantasy. While the spoken word delivery was charming an effective on the opener You Were a Ground Level Limb, it sounds somewhat lazy in comparison in succeeding tracks that simply “talk” their lyrics. Thankfully, the deliveries through Sitting on Fences are varied, such as the short and angsty bursts on On Subjectivity, or the frail deliveries of Proper Art.

The strongest feature of Sitting on Fences is easily its abstract, nonsensical soundscape. Most tracks subsequently provide a unique progression in conjunction with the diverse vocals, composing of bare arrangements and incongruent harmonies. Furthermore, while the scant vocals can be unnecessarily sharp, the lyrical content is gorgeous, and adds a beautiful layer to the radical suites. Perhaps if the vocals weren’t so harshly mixed in the mix, they’d avoid further criticism. 

Sitting on Fences isn’t perfect, though it succeeds in the innovation compartment; arguably the most essential component of music. It succeeds in both its expressive and emotional components, resulting in an overall fulfilling experience. Like a diamond in the rough, if you can see through its rough edges, you’ll find a gem.

Really Good

Listen to it here:

https://abandcallednost.bandcamp.com/album/sitting-on-fences

Nost. - Sitting on Fences