NoMBe Assertively Reinvents Himself Yet Again in New EP “Noah”
The more the decade advances, the more difficult it is to hold on to genre distinctions when it comes to the musical zeitgeist. More and more artists are embracing so much of what they love that they simply forgo conventions in favor of following wherever their musical instincts may lead them in search of something genuine that connects with their own truth and the perceptions of their audiences.
NoMBe, originally from Germany and now based in Los Angeles, has developed a unique musical style. His albums “They Might’ve Even Loved Me” (2018) and “Chromatopia” (2021) have gained significant attention. Tracks like “Wait,” “Summer’s Gone,” and “Freak Like Me” have collectively garnered nearly 1 billion streams. He received early support from Elton John and Pharrell Williams, and his music has been featured in popular TV shows including Kylie Jenner’s “Life of Kylie.”
For NoMBe, this open-yet-organic rejection of conventional genres has become intrinsic to his musical identity, and nowhere can we better appreciate it than on his new EP, “Noah.”
NoMBe explains, “Every time I do a project, I get to reinvent what the music is,” then adds, “It could be dance, R&B, alternative, soul, indie, or blues, and that’s how NoMBe started in the beginning. I took the pressure off from having to abide by any perception of what the sound should be. I’m just unapologetically doing whatever I want.”
There’s freedom in beauty and beauty in freedom, and no greater virtue may lead you to project that than full-on sincerity, and “Noah” is exactly that. Across all six songs, NoMBe’s approach is halfway between a curious child and a seasoned veteran: Both sides meet with a decisive disregard for any anxiety or heaviness that would prevent them from pulling back punches on their creative endeavor.
From the romantic escapism of “Space For Two” to the bittersweet sound of the mistrustful “White Lies,” NoMBe seems inclined to write hope and despair alike with stunning dexterity and an infectious joie de vivre that imbues his sound with an additional quality that is as difficult to label as his musical genre. Is it pure flexibility? Is it again that same sincerity elevated? I can’t tell for sure exactly what, but it works like a charm every time to gladden your heart, you’re simply vibing in that very moment to his work.
The undisputed crowning jewel of his EP -and it’s treated as such- has got to be “Boys Like Me.” The track perfectly captures his refined yet carefree style and roguish attitude as he cautions potential lovers to protect themselves from getting caught up in emotional entanglements. Beyond the lyrics, there’s the expansive and buoyant sound of it all that I can’t help but put on the same level as those huge stadium-pleasing bangers that Mr. Robbie Williams used to put out back in the day. It is a truly marvelous song and an achievement all in itself.
All in all, the greater scope of “Noah” sees NoMBe embracing his fresh, uncompromising, unrelenting, and infectious attitude towards his signature sound like -perhaps- never before. I think NoMBe is the very definition of “fresh” and this new EP is like a mission statement going forward just in case there was ever any doubt. He proudly stands at the crossroads of multiple genres and he’s feeding from all of them while giving something truly remarkable back.
In celebration of the highly-anticipated release of his EP, NoMBe has exciting news for fans in Los Angeles. On May 2nd, he will be taking the stage at the Teragram Ballroom for a live show and release party. This exclusive event is set to showcase all the tracks from his latest EP, “Noah”, along with popular songs from his first and second albums. There may even be some unexpected surprises thrown in during this captivating performance that you won’t want to miss.
Secure your tickets now by clicking HERE for an unforgettable evening with NoMBe.
FOR MORE INFO ON NOMBE – INSTAGRAM
Cover by Kato