Nate Paladino’s latest album, ‘Drown With Me,’ was released this month on July 8. His reputation as a talented songwriter is cemented by a wonderful selection of stories set to music in Nate’s distinct style and elegance.
This album by Nate Paladino is a reminder that life isn’t black and white, with just the perfect amount of conviction paired with just the right amount of sarcasm and a broad range of emotions.
Blues music was the first genre that Nate fell in love with, and it was also one of his earliest musical influences. His debut album, “Like a Nail in Your Head,” introduced his raw, spontaneous, and intimate voice in 2011. Soon after the publication of the record, Jon Hyrkas joined Nate as the band’s drummer, and they forged an unbreakable musical partnership. In 2014, they released their debut EP, titled Good Boy.
In 2019, Nate, Jon, and Darren began recording at MAPS Recording Studio with producer Mike Willson. Darren died unexpectedly during the recording session. It was a tremendous setback. During a tough period of bereavement, the album’s production was halted. Then, COVID hit. Nate describes the event thusly: “It felt as if the entire universe was telling us to stop.” “But, Jon and I realized that we had to finish the album, both for our friend and for ourselves.”
When they revisited the material after a period of time, they were able to view their experiences from a different angle. At one phase, the songs appeared to reflect a never-ending cycle of hopelessness, escape, bitter acceptance, and, finally, resolution through genuine healing. According to Paladino, the title of this album is “an invitation.”
Throughout the recording process, their friend’s memory was honored, and the final product is a collection of songs that is both sentimental and poignant. It embodies Paladino’s musical principles and conjures the beauty and sincerity of musicians like The Mountain Goats and the literary appeal of Leonard Cohen. “
This moody album avoids many Americana clichés while still providing a rewarding listening experience. It is confident and well-formed. In the first track from his second studio album, ‘Problems in Bed,” As if the lyrics weren’t sufficient evidence, Paladino deliberately avoids all the easy, traditional stories in this narrative and instead focuses on the dirty, gritty nuances of a relationship.
Due to his natural Californian accent and barely concealed banter, Palladino’s voice has a vintage and familiar appeal. In ‘A Sad Song,’ Paladino laments about loneliness and betrayal, and things don’t seem much better on the following track when he tackles a traditional love-hate relationship in ‘In The Meantime.” Set to the melodic piano, the song follows the narrator’s inner conflicts as his relationship develops. The narrator of “Nothing Good” laments the loss of a relationship and contends that he should have seen it coming.
“Blue Skies and Mai Tais” is about taking time in the sun to come to terms with the death of a loved one, despite the song’s bright title. ‘Hate You More,’ the album’s most angry breakup song, reveals Paladino at his most acrimonious as he details his personally terrible and hurtful experiences.
This album has many characteristics of indie rock, but the songs and occasional guitar flare push it into Americana territory. However, if you’re searching for soothing folk, you should look elsewhere, for this album will take you on the most emotionally devastating, introspective, and therapeutic journey of your life.