Elrichman, On the Nose | Track Review 🎵

Toronto Indie-pop singer/songwriter Elrichman captivates on the unusual gem “On the Nose,” from his forthcoming album, Heaven’s Mayor.

It never hurts to enhance and shake up your listening rotation.  Let me suggest adding Elrichman, the project of Toronto-based singer/songwriter Paul Elrichman.  What makes Paul so special? Well, the ‘sophisti-pop artist […] crafts unusual tunes with intricate arrangements. With songs satirical but filled with happy-go-lucky optimism, [he] functions as company for those who feel helpless in a time of abundance and consumption.’ Maybe that’s a wee bit too much for you to digest through reading, so, why don’t you take a listen to “On the Nose,” a gem of a single that appears on his album, Heaven’s Mayor, arriving September 4. 

“On the Nose” is epic, in so many respects.  It initiates enigmatically, with crescendoing drums which provide a great effect.  Beyond the intro, lovely, warm synths are employed, providing lush, nostalgic, 80s sounds.  Adding to such glory are distinct, robust vocals, a unique harmonic progression, and also, contrast.  The contrast occurs with an abrupt change of pace post-enigmatic, dreamy verse with the chorus section.  Here, the tempo becomes quicker, and Elrichman certainly doesn’t prepare you for it, which is part of the intrigue.

The listener understands more of what’s going down with the second verse, which is patterned like the first with the return of a slower pace.  Still, Elrichman provides contrast with the addition of flute, which is quite beautiful and colorful. When the chorus comes along for a second time, despite more listener preparation, it’s still a bit unexpected, which is quite cool compositionally speaking. Worth noting, later, the flute solos acrobatically (chorus section), blending well with a guitar solo at times. Paul is flexing his creative muscles like a champ.

Final Thoughts 

If you’re bored of the same thing musically, then you definitely need to check out “On the Nose” by Elrichman.  Let “On the Nose” feed your ears with sweet, clever ear candy! This is a song that’s as captivating musically as it is lyrically – maybe even more so given its creative instrumental.

Elrichman • Heaven’s Mayor • Release: 9.4.20

Photo Credit: Chelsee Ivan, Elrichman; Icons made by https://www.flaticon.com/authors/freepik (Freepik)

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