Nu-Look returns to the musical landscape with their latest album, “No Stress,” once again anchoring themselves in the soundscapes that have endeared them to a dedicated cohort of fans. Arly Lariviere, the maestro behind the ensemble, presents an album steeped in the familiar vibes of Konpa while incorporating some refreshing musical explorations.
Album Overview:
“No Stress” kicks off with “Pa bezwen konnen,” a vibrant track that sets a high bar with its dynamic energy, emblematic of Arly’s ability to command both the crooner and energizer roles seamlessly. This track sets the tone for an album that promises both emotional depth and exuberant rhythms.
Notable Tracks:
“ELLE” stands out with its French lyrics, aimed at resonating on a global stage, blending reggae-tones and house music influences into its Konpa roots. The song is crafted to appeal to an international audience, maintaining an engaging pace throughout.
“Open Heart” follows, showcasing Nu-Look’s inspired approach, albeit with a hint of familiarity in its packaging. The album continues to weave through themes of love and betrayal with tracks like “Poukisa?” featuring a zouk-love influence merged seamlessly with Konpa, highlighting Lariviere’s vocal adaptability.
“Deyò a cho” alternates between captivating and relaxed tempos, sticking to themes that resonate with the band’s core audience, ensuring that longtime fans feel at home with the new material.
Musicality and Lyrics:
While “No Stress” excels in delivering emotional and vibrant tracks, it occasionally treads into predictable territories with some melodies and grooves appearing redundant after the initial verses. However, tracks like “Mwen wè kou a” showcase lyrical prowess that challenges competitors, real or imagined, displaying Arly’s knack for engaging storytelling.
The inclusion of a track featuring Jacob Desvarieux of Kassav adds a unique touch, blending rock & roll elements with Konpa, demonstrating the album’s experimental edge.
Critique and Final Thoughts:
The album, however, does not venture far into new lyrical themes. Apart from the standard romantic narratives, there is a noticeable absence of commentary on broader social or political issues, which could have provided a richer tapestry for the album’s narrative.
Despite this, “No Stress” is a competent continuation of Nu-Look’s musical journey. It showcases the group’s ability to maintain their signature style while attempting to infuse new elements into their sound. The album is a testament to Arly Lariviere’s enduring talent and his ability to keep the band relevant in the evolving music scene.
Overall, “No Stress” is a solid addition to Nu-Look’s discography, offering the familiar comfort of their previous hits with a few new rhythms and themes that will likely grow on listeners. While it may not break new ground in terms of thematic depth, it succeeds in delivering the quality and vibrancy fans have come to expect from Nu-Look.
