Another from the ‘Naki! That region is pumping out the artists in genre after genre, and Lauren Nottingham, AKA Frau Knotz, joins the roll of honour. Her new single Odyssey I, from her forthcoming debut EP Nextraterrestrial (due in August ’24), is out on Wednesday 24th April, and I get to tell you all about it in advance.

I’ve reviewed Frau Knotz before, back when I was with my buddies at MusicNet.NZ, and I enjoyed what I heard then. Her first release in 2024 is a more avant-garde and highly interesting piece of work. Using a discordant undertone via a completely organic recording method wherein Lauren provided the vocals in one take, singing as the words and melody came to her. Unusual and pretty cool way to do it!

The melody, and the recording in its entirety, is not what I would describe as “pop”. Despite the use of subtle synth and piano freeform, with some sudden sub-bass to shake you up somewhat, this is in introspective look through the artists eye, at what lies beneath the waves. Be they waves of reality, waves of consciousness, or the waves of the ocean itself. From the EPK: “This piece was composed over 4 Saturday evenings, as an exercise in production. The vocal line is completely improvised with both the melody and lyrics sung in one take, during a single stream of consciousness. The repetitive arpeggiation was essential for getting lost inside the song, to sail over a hypnotic groove in a way that feels good but is entirely unpredictable.”

The song is quite short. Under three minutes – but it delivers an oddly disquieting feeling about what one could actually find down in those depths. And of course, that matches one’s own psyche, as well as the deep blue. Speaking of which, we see a cool, subtle video that stays in line with the theme. It’s a 3D animation piece, and although I won’t give up any spoilers, it can provoke some introspective considerations within oneself, in the right setting. Halfofnothng (Blue Hamel), LA-based but Christchurch born and bred, is the artist who has created the video.

The video has prompted me to discuss AI – which this video is not, having been created by a human. A lot is being said about AI, and that it’s removing platforms from artists. If tempered, and used artistically and professionally – like here – there is no reason why AI and organic creativity cannot walk hand in hand. This track, and Lauren‘s project as a whole in fact, is testament to that. Looking at the recording of the track, and how that was achieved; then add to it the video, and both ways of creativity are in sync and delivering. Well done Lauren.

The minimalist production was carried out by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace, mastered at Downbeat by Joshua Llewelyn. As ever, the teams behind the desk have shown a keen awareness as to where the artist wants to take the song. This one is a slightly disconcerting, compelling and visually thought-provoking journey. Enjoy this one in solitude, on a rainy afternoon, looking at the grey lashing your windows. Or in the depths of the night, with your whanau, friends, flat mates, asleep as you contemplate your inner self.

Remember – Frau Knotz, Odyssey I. 24th April. If introversion is something you like to have a soundtrack to, pick this song. That’s a compliment, by the way – this is a bl**dy hard thing to get right!