Album Review: Fake Nostalgia

Fake Nostalgia is the debut album from Filipino-born, Auckland based Mark Bulos. The album “explores the feeling of musical déjà vu, where songs evoke a sense of longing for a time and place he’s never experienced”. Having trained at Auckland Jazz School, Mark eschewed pursuing session work, in favour of embracing his own creative goals. Inspired by artists like Sade, Prince, The Cocteau Twins, and The Sundays, Mark has constructed a funk-infused dreamy pop album of beauty and light.

On first track Nostalgia Intro, a sprinkling of keys permeates the soundscape, joined by some deep synth notes, which soon all segue into a deliciously clean funk groove, craftily interlocked bass and drums offset by some slinky guitar work. On next track Escape, being a guitar fan, I’m immediately drawn to the fantastic tone, clear and cutting, and magnificently clean. I can definitely hear the cited influences of both Prince and Sade here. Slick and polished, with an impressive groove in the feel. The vocalist has a sweet and breathy voice, perfect for this style. There’s a lot of thought gone into the composition and construction of this song, musically superb, with particularly masterful bass playing. (Lost In) Repetition is up next, a bright and breezy piece, a relaxed funk feel with introspective and wistful lyrics. I could boogie to this all night.

On Again, a banging, driving funk rhythm accompanies lyrics that speak of overthinking and wondering about loss. An interesting juxtaposition of worried and woeful thoughts with upbeat and positive lyrics, almost as if the protagonist is chastising themselves in a self-deprecating manner. At the point of the album that one reaches City Ghost, it becomes clear that these sweet funky grooves are very much Mark’s specialty. A slightly more subdued feel on this track, with lyrics that nostalgically refer to a treasured memory, and setting that alongside the current situation of feeling somewhat lost, by comparison. Nostalgia Interlude is a lush half-minute of guitar and synth swells. The title track is up next, and some of Mark’s tasty, smoky lead guitar playing brings this one in. A poignant song, self-doubt raises questions of identity, too much online time inspires questions of exactly whose memories belong to whom, a relatable theme in today’s screen-led society.

Silent Heart is a wonderfully danceable track that weaves a tale of uncertainty, a tale as old as time, the desire to know if one’s crush is returned in kind, whilst enjoying time spent together regardless. All Too Soon is a much slower and more sombre offering, lyrically a darker mood altogether. Rejecting the advances of a vacillating potential love interest in order to protect one’s own heart, rightly spurning the attention of one who is still in the arms of another. I love the reserved and reflective playing on this one. The feel on Lonely Star follows aptly on from All Too Soon, a story of love completely rejected, and an inability to move on from how one feels about the object of one’s desire. Some fantastic musical tension in the middle guitar solo section.

On Would?, any wondering whether this might be a cover of the 90’s Alice In Chains classic is dispelled within the first few seconds. This is a soft, open, flowing piece with a distinct lack of percussion. Another artfully composed guitar solo adds some glorious colour, Mark’s thorough understanding of his craft shining through. A magnificent ending to this album filled with the subtleties and nuances of relationships. A strong debut.