Album Review: Ruptured

NahBo (Taranaki Ah Young-Grace) is breaking down creative barriers with their new album Ruptured. The intro track Download is a futuristic video game-esque prelude which sets the scene for what can only be described as the creation of a new genre (perhaps?) which I found very exciting.

Following on from the prelude is Figure, a track that resonated very much with me, being about recovery, and I love to hear it. The clever and unusual melodies combined with a unique kiwi vocal flow, convey jazz and soul undertones, but done in such a way as to become something different entirely.

What’s In A Name opens with birdsong and the sound of a trickling stream, which anchors NahBo to the natural earth as they wrestle with the deep and opposing forces of identity and heritage. I love the contrast of spoken word against the sung chorus, in a song full of contrasts, but overall one of strength and pride.

Then follows a succession of tracks which unleash a bit of a storm, a stream of consciousness, a tirade, that, while confronting and perhaps even a little intimidating, are clearly the heart and soul of an artist being poured out. There is anger and indignation. Reflections of past and present. A raging against the machine. A lot of which I share the sentiment of, and some that I don’t.

Ruptured is a cutting narrative that may not sit comfortably and prettily in the ear of every listener, but I believe in each person’s right to express themselves, nevertheless. It’s not for me to make commentary on, it’s for me to listen.

The album closes with the soothing instrumental after-care of Out Of Tune … again, unusual, creative, and unique. Just beautiful.

It gave me a lot of joy to hear someone creating and expressing so authentically and fearlessly. The use of snippets and samples in some of the tracks, the unusual timing signatures, the classical elements, all combined with spoken word and song, I mean it really is a completely new genre of music! I look forward to hearing more from NahBo in the future.