Nathaniel Paul Hoff is known as an innovative artist in the indie pop rock sphere, notably as a member of The Bergamot, and while his debut solo album indeed occupies that space, it also pushes the boundaries of sound to create a hazy, cosmic world for listeners.
Listening to his new record, Turpentine — which dropped last Friday March 22nd — truly does feel like a sonic indulgence; the blending of both upbeat and low-tempo tracks with masterfully curated electronic melodies creates a sense of euphoria that touches on a variety of emotions and sensations, making for a versatile listening experience.
The album opens with the dreamy synth-laden track, “Start Over,” an upbeat and hazy song that inspires optimism and feel-good energy in sound alone. The mellow yet groovy tempo merges with electronic melancholy and lyrics of accepting a severed relationship, building up to an emotional and satisfying rendition of the chorus: “If you love her / Let her go,” simple lyrics made powerful by the track’s full, bittersweet sound.
“Start Over,” is followed by title track, “Turpentine,” a song which continues with the theme of sultry, funky percussive grooves accompanied by dreamy vocals and this time aquatic, semi-psychedelic guitar riffs. “Can’t you help me get back on my feet again / So I can dream / Dream of a better life / And it starts tonight,” Hoff sings, bringing to life a song about the simple yet powerful notion of lending your help and support to those around you. These first two tracks alone emulate feel-good summer energy, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
At the album’s center sits “Bitter Melody,” a different paced energy but no less welcome addition to the album. “Bitter Melody” moves with more urgency, the bass gripping as the track moves into an ethereal, echoey bridge. The song seems to express the sensations of a troubled or busy mind with the lyrics, “Some people / Can just sleep all day / I’ve been trying / But I lay awake / Look at / The ceiling.” Despite words like “I’m falling / So far now / Into my dreams / Bitter melodies,” the song feels pressing and hopeful through its use of playful guitar, and ends sharp and swift.
The indie singer-songwriter’s hometown of Michigan City, Indiana, plays a large role in his inspiration for Turpentine, inducing nostalgia and the simplicity of big ideas processed through the youthful mind. These influences come across strongly in the fifth track, “Help Each Other Along,” an indie pop jam with a dose of folk/Americana vibes with the lingering harmonica and acoustic guitar picking. It’s a blend that creates both a sentimental and modern world through its blending of typically opposing genres.
This otherworldly sound is the backdrop for Paul’s call to action: “Words they mean nothing / Nothing at all / Can’t we just help each other / Help each other along,” he sings simply but effectively. Frustration at the world’s lack of capacity for empathy is expressed powerfully through the straightforward and enticing sound.
Paul pushes boundaries with the eighth track, “Just Memories.” The track serves as a perhaps darker, more mischievous sound on the album, shaping the ways various sounds and effects can blend to induce emotion, but still maintains his signature funky percussive groove.
Taking a sharp turn from flowy grooves is “The Crown,” the closing track of the album, which offers a semi-muted acoustic guitar riff leading to a crystal clear vocal delivery acknowledging acceptance of a relationship marred by mistakes. “No matter what you say / I’m happy for you now / I made some big mistakes / It’s too late for that now,” he sings. It offers a mellow, thoughtful way to wind down the album and conclude this particular journey of sound.
Paul has long been steeped in the music-making world, studying classical guitar and composition in college, and having been a member of the duo The Bergamot since 2010. As a part of the duo, he has been able to use his music to become politically involved, as well as play in all fifty states, creating a stable foundation for his newest project.
Regarding the plight of the independent artist in today’s world, Paul states, “It is a pivotal time in history for the survival of independent music. Independent voices have to work together in the arts.”
With Turpentine, Paul proves a powerful force in the indie psych-pop scene, and that creating an incredible, indulgent album doesn’t have to come from large labels.
 has released his new solo album, 'Turpentine.' Listen & read our album review here.){kind=link}