Nothing Concrete - The Imperfectionist
The latest release by Nothing Concrete, The Imperfectionist, is a vivid, genre-blending testament to their artistic versatility and emotional depth. Known for fusing folk, funk, cumbia, and swing into a kaleidoscope of sound, the France-based band takes a jazz rock detour with this fourth LP—without losing their signature warmth and global sensibility. Across ten tracks and 43 minutes, they craft a record that feels intimate yet expansive, steeped in storytelling and sonic experimentation. The album kicks off with “The Boats,” a bold opener steeped in Middle Eastern tonalities. Over a slow-burning blues groove, oud-like string textures shimmer beside electric guitar licks, creating an evocative sense of motion and exile. The track’s cinematic edge could slide seamlessly into the shadowy atmosphere of Chinatown or the brooding elegance of The Third Man—two noir classics that share the album’s mood of restless searching and beautiful disillusionment. One of the standout moments is “Empty Whiskey Bottle Mariachi Blues.” True to its name, it blends Appalachian bluegrass sensibilities with mariachi horn flourishes, anchored by a ragged folk rhythm that feels both celebratory and heartbroken. The song exemplifies Nothing Concrete’s knack for blending different genres while honoring each one's roots. In this album, you hear the heavy influence of folk music not just in instrumentation—banjo, fiddle, and accordion make expressive appearances—but in the song’s storytelling and raw vocal delivery. The title track, “The Imperfectionist,” leans into a shadowy, jazz-inflected groove. Snarling upright bass lines snake beneath brushed drums and haunting piano chords, crafting a sinister atmosphere with shades of Tom Waits and early Nick Cave. The careful use of the stereo field in this track—vocals placed just off-center, instruments drifting like ghosts through the mix—demonstrates the band’s refined approach to production. Throughout the album, there’s a vivid dynamic range, from whispered acoustic intros to explosive choruses, always balanced and purposeful. The new record by French outfit Nothing Concrete will find a home in experimental jazz and alternative folk playlists Sonically, the LP is rich with unique instrumental voices: harmonicas, muted violins, and the use of brushes on the snare, that lend color and texture. The mixing choices give space for each voice to breathe, creating an immersive listening experience that’s both unpredictable and cohesive. The Imperfectionist is at home in the indie music scene but also feels timeless, as if excavated from a forgotten corner of world music history and reassembled with 21st-century soul. With three previous albums and collaborations stretching from Latin America to Eastern Europe, Nothing Concrete have built a musical identity that thrives on connection and contrast. Rooted in France but driven by a global perspective, they continue to make music that celebrates imperfection, embraces difference, and invites listeners into a world that’s messy, musical, and profoundly human.
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