NODINE - Amateur Land (Review)

Written by: The Administrator 

The promo email for NODINE's Amateur Land was unexpected but far from unwelcome. The artist behind black metal outfit Ainor switched gears and now makes rap/trap/experimental hip hop under a new moniker, released via Syrup Moose Records? In the world of artistic development, that's an exciting switchup. My interest? Considerably piqued.

While the genre tags may imply a shiny polish, this isn't clean stuff from a production standpoint--it feels like the rap equivalent of a classically homegrown bedroom black metal project. That, my friends, is by no means a bad thing. Amateur Land feels homegrown in the best sense, providing an eclectic spread that feels tangible and human and raw. There's some trap, some borderline rage-fueled horrorcore, some minimalistic boom bap, and requisite let-me-get-a-braggadocious-one-in-real-quick freestyles. Every track brings something new to the formula, giving the whole affair a very exploratory feel, almost like NODINE is attempting to map complex terrain via the light of glowstick. In a world where artists are all-too-oft trapped in a trademark aesthetic, I find significant value in a deliberately eclectic collection of sights and sounds. It can make for a jarring listening experience, but consider: being jarred is good.

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While seemingly random, the list of stuff I enjoy herein is extensive. I really like the electronic titular refrain on "Designer," as well as the general eerie synth and dusty antiquated air of "Gimme Love." This track in particular is causal and warm, and makes me feel like I am present for the recording. Perhaps even actively contributing to the backing vocals. Mixing is minimal, and the track feels significantly intimate as a result. There's a sense of narrative self-awareness permeating the album--the throat clears on "Around" are a particularly sick inclusion, and add a level of grounded realness to the more urgent flow. There's a plethora of humorous lines littered throughout, lending the whole project a sense of fun. Meanwhile, more dark trap/horrorcore oriented elements hit hard within the framework of an intrinsically raw backdrop--take ominous highlight "Clave" as a prime example, with its raging vocals bursting forth from the noise. I do wish that these darker aesthetics weren't so frontloaded on the album, as they are among some of my favorite moments.

Some tracks are an obvious display for instrumentation--see the lengthy closer Poison"--but Amateur Land doesn't feel caught up in the production choices, nor does the eclectic beat selection attempt to fight for the limelight. This project features some rapping rapping, the kind of bars that feel like they needed to be expulsed in a single session. "Goosebumps," the arguably most polished track herein and the only with a feature, has a fun enthusiasm and a delightful interplay between fast raps and a fun singsong cadence. Featured rapper Veli5 has a casual off-the-cuff delivery that fits the track quite well. The verses on "Ridicule" and "Confession" are particularly well executed as well, and while the tracks clocks in at an exceptionally brisk 1:15 and 1:11 respectively, they feels like fleshed out statements. Stand-alone vignettes often exist as ideas rather than songs proper, and while down the road I could easily see these moments built into full tracks, they accomplish their mission well for an introductory tape. You aren't gonna find much typical song structure herein.

Outside the scope of this release, I am excited in general by the prospect of Syrup Moose Records releasing more hip hop albums. I personally believe that there is great value in underground labels representing a wide range of genres, and in a similar vein, there is great value in introducing a primarily metalhead audience to something outside the ol' wheelhouse--namely, more rap. NODINE represents a fantastic step in that direction. While the sonic territory is obviously different, the intrinsic rawness, emotive air, and eclectic DIY ethos isn't exactly unfamiliar.

Bottom line? I've really enjoyed my time with Amateur Land, and I've enjoyed digging into its assorted nooks and crannies. Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a fan of raw and experimental hip hop, I recommend check this one out. 

NODINE - Amateur Land was released April 5th, 2024 via Syrup Moose Records. Find it here!

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NODINE can be found:
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