Instrumental lovers rejoice! The first single from norc is skipping vocals. “Riviera Paradise” is a series of slowly building drones in two-chord groupings, drenched in atmospheric textures and strategic instrument range use.
According to drummer Ryan Holland, the track is meant to elicit a vibe, rather than an objective interpretation.
“We wanted the track to sound like a day dreamy spot, like a scenic beach,” says Holland.
This impression matches my own listening; one of my early thoughts being “this is a timely summer release.”
The track is divided in three sections that are punctuated by rhythm and harmony changes: anticipation, surrender, and resolution.
norc’s own influences have found them a strong footing in their genre, pulling favourably from such bands as Elephant Gym. There is plenty of space, creative interval and chord voicing use, strong rhythm, padding echoes. The elements are all here.
“Riviera Paradise” is well executed, with the drumming deserving special note.
Holland admits that the band, including himself, keyboardist/vocalist Christiana Armstrong, and guitarist Zach Hazelwood come from strong metal backgrounds—a claim not uncommon amongst technical players.
The drumming is tight, creative and confidently voiced, and it makes great use of off-beats and subdivisions. The keyboards play double-duty to the absence of a dedicated bass, and Armstrong succeeds in making this approach sound seamless. Hazelwood escapes the tempting excesses of guitar and offers a complimentary equal part, delivered with fitting choices.
The production may sound a bit too scoped and shimmer-friendly, perhaps a creative choice in this current climate of retro 80s and 90s equalization curves, but I could have used some more body on the instruments. It’s something of a missed opportunity in not adding more full-band rhythm play to Riviera Paradise, but only because I would have loved to hear the track throw a curve-ball by breaking its 4-bar chord structure.
All of these are very much meant to be reasons to listen to “Riviera Paradise,” which is 100% deserving of your ear time.
For norc, this is a strong start. Give us more!