A Jejune Affair by Nick Noon: EP Review

by Damien Reid February 21, 2023

February 21, 2023

A Jejune Affair by Nick Noon: EP Review

Even if you don’t want to admit it, the music business is driven by profit. The substance is frequently sacrificed or overlooked in favor of promoting an artist’s image for commercial success. Uncensored creativity is, with a few notable exceptions, a less important or even irrelevant characteristic nowadays. Nick Noon, a Nashville indie rock musician, doesn’t use the standard formula but instead creates his own by fusing captivating melodies with insightful lyrics. Noon’s recently released EP, ‘A Jejune Affair’, collects the kind of emotionally resonant material that has become synonymous with his name.

Beginning with the ‘Costumes’, Noon personifies disillusionment with elected officials while spinning an elegant, but the decidedly dark, symphonic melody. ‘Bring out the Sunshine’ represents the pinnacle of Noon’s abilities as a moving storyteller and composer. This song contains a plethora of melodic layers that come together to form a soul-stirring look at how to keep the encroaching gloom at bay. Noon warms up with ‘When the Chariot Calls’, a stripped-down, symphonic folk song. Aside from serving as a prelude to the next track, it focuses on the big picture. In the grand scheme of things, Noon sees the dilapidated pantheon of “star-spangled deities,” but he still seeks the elusive American dream. ‘Grant Me Speed’, the grand finale, contrasts the bleary-eyed optimism of ‘Bring out the Sunshine’ with a tumultuous storm that leaves a bitter catharsis in its wake. It has a determined demeanor as it tries to muster enough strength to soldier on.

The end has come reluctantly, but you don’t dare to look back. Nick Noon closes this EP on a high note with a soul-cleansing ballad. This playthrough will take you on a journey through passionate indie rock music.