Nire
We All Shine On
With haunting vocals and bite-size tracks, Nire do an excellent job with crafting efficient songs that you really ought to love, if you know what's good for you.
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Nire don't lean on any special effects to get where they want to be. This is not a gimmicky outfit at all.
"Fading Stars" does well with its minimalist instrumentals. The harmonies are the perfect volume and deliver the intended effect.
This is a real bowl of popcorn band. They would do well to play in theatres with comfy chairs and an intermission. I have no idea what their stage presence is like, but they don't really need it. This is the kind of music that you dress up for for no reason. Like maybe you aren't really that dignified, and neither is your mate, but for one night, you both are, all decked out in your Saturday best. (I don't think you would wear your Sunday best to hear Nire play.)
I think the piano is what makes this album so good. Generally albums that feature the ivories tend to make its presence known. On We All Shine On, the piano is certainly noticeable, but it is not the focal point by any means.
With balanced vocals and a lack of distracting percussion, Nire get the job done with flair and panache. Maybe their album should not be taught in school instead of math, but there definitely ought to be a public awareness campaign for them.
You can contact the author at: jughead@agouti.com
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