Charlie Nieland – Drown
Charlie Nieland’s “Drown” is a complicated, hypnotic trip through a musical world that combines psychedelic, shoegaze, and space rock. It’s a music that pulls the listener in with a wave of distortion and reverb, creating a soundscape that seems both cosmic and post-apocalyptic. “Drown” envelops you in lush, organized distortion that instantly recalls the chaotic mayhem of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, coupled with the dreamy wash of Slowdive. The guitar tones are deep and fascinating, creating a psychedelic haze similar to drifting through nebulas. The hazy, almost androgynous vocal lines flow through the mix like ghosts, providing a futuristic, sci-fi vibe that increases the track’s surreal atmosphere. The audio layering becomes more apparent as the track continues. Guitars with effects grow and glitter in and out of the mix, contributing to the sense of alienation from time and place. It’s the kind of music that doesn’t rush; it expands, breathes, and is out in its own dimension. Then, at 2:44, the post-apocalyptic guitar solo appears, a highlight that pushes the song even further into psychedelic domain. Its sharp, flying tone triggers Mastodon’s dark mental landscapes, bringing a heavy progressive edge to the otherwise surreal atmosphere. “Drown” is not a passive listening experience; rather, it is a slow, deep fall into sound. Charlie Nieland cleverly surpasses genre limitations, resulting in a track that is as much an atmosphere as it is a song.
Photo Credit: Charlie Nieland photo by Alice Teeple
