Naomi Braun - Through the Devils Wood (03/09/2012)
With a metaphoric title embodying the eight years it took to complete, Naomi Braun’s debut album ‘Through the Devil’s Wood’, co-produced and mixed by Hip Hop artist Lotek (Hilltop Hoods, Roots Manuva), delves into an experimental blend of soul, dub, hip hop and electro.
‘Deeper’ proves a well chosen opener with its sinister mysticism, also reflected in its accompanying video clip, filmed in a remote forest outside of Melbourne. It’s one of the more intriguing tracks on the album; the sharp popping of guest King D’s beat boxing, overlaid with haunting lilt of Naomi’s ethereal vocal results in something contrasting yet oddly harmonious.
Lotek’s influences are present throughout the album, with some big horns and soulful beats coming through in languid and sultry tracks, ‘I Get Carried Away’ and ‘Rap N Rhyme Me’. A strong touch of Erykah Badu finds its way on ‘Beg the Dub (Love)’, a soulful tune that takes advantage of the character and surprising power in Naomi’s voice.
Title track ‘Through The Devil’s Wood’, a collaboration with reggae duo Sly and Robbie (No Doubt, The Fugees) is half sung, half spoken over a boppy dance beat and is engaging with its poetic lyrics. ‘Never Coming Back’ is a nice change of pace from the rest of the album, simply arranged, it resonates with a real sorrow and vulnerability.
Naomi comes across as quite bold, confident and a little risqué, posing naked painted in black on an animal rug on the cover. The fact that she subsidises her music through her clothing store, only adds to this image of a very independent, hardworking and determined artist.
As much as I tried it was difficult to connect with the music at times, and that may have been mainly due to most tracks relying on overlayed repeated vocals, the delicateness of which resulted in them being lost amongst the louder bolder sounds. This being said, ‘Through the Devils Wood’ is a mish mash of sometimes silky sometimes brash tones, resulting in some chilled and funky tracks excellent for lounging around to.
Nazia Hafiz
‘Deeper’ proves a well chosen opener with its sinister mysticism, also reflected in its accompanying video clip, filmed in a remote forest outside of Melbourne. It’s one of the more intriguing tracks on the album; the sharp popping of guest King D’s beat boxing, overlaid with haunting lilt of Naomi’s ethereal vocal results in something contrasting yet oddly harmonious.
Lotek’s influences are present throughout the album, with some big horns and soulful beats coming through in languid and sultry tracks, ‘I Get Carried Away’ and ‘Rap N Rhyme Me’. A strong touch of Erykah Badu finds its way on ‘Beg the Dub (Love)’, a soulful tune that takes advantage of the character and surprising power in Naomi’s voice.
Title track ‘Through The Devil’s Wood’, a collaboration with reggae duo Sly and Robbie (No Doubt, The Fugees) is half sung, half spoken over a boppy dance beat and is engaging with its poetic lyrics. ‘Never Coming Back’ is a nice change of pace from the rest of the album, simply arranged, it resonates with a real sorrow and vulnerability.
Naomi comes across as quite bold, confident and a little risqué, posing naked painted in black on an animal rug on the cover. The fact that she subsidises her music through her clothing store, only adds to this image of a very independent, hardworking and determined artist.
As much as I tried it was difficult to connect with the music at times, and that may have been mainly due to most tracks relying on overlayed repeated vocals, the delicateness of which resulted in them being lost amongst the louder bolder sounds. This being said, ‘Through the Devils Wood’ is a mish mash of sometimes silky sometimes brash tones, resulting in some chilled and funky tracks excellent for lounging around to.
Nazia Hafiz