Nick Campbell Destroys deconstructs three cover tracks amidst a lofi sound that rises and falls in unique ways.
Some artists claim to be unique, but this really does describe Nick Campbell Destroys in the most perfect way. With a new LP put on hold due to the pandemic, instead of getting down about it, Nick Campbell retreated to his bedroom and recorded a short yet intriguing EP in Lo-Fi Bass Music For Quarantine. Featuring three eclectic cover tracks, two of them jazz-based, the sound saunters with a confidence and creates new beasts out of the source material.
Starting off with classic jazz track Central Park West, the classic feel of the track is completely deconstructed and replaced with a lofi flow, subtle drum track and hazy atmosphere. The dreamscape created works well against the jazz undertones, offering something different to the bedroom lofi sound that seems to be overtaking the world at the moment. It saunters forward getting more in-depth as it progresses, all held together by Campbell’s bassline and skill with structure. The experimental build-up comes to a brash conclusion as it cuts out at the end, leaving the listener wanting more.
Along Came Polly follows with a more frantic style where you can just about make out the jazzy, riffy flow of the original amongst everything going on. Drums move the track forward at a fast pace as a synthy riff takes on the main solo sections usually taken on by trumpets or sax. The uniqueness of the track is there to behold with the bass once again taking prominence and holding everything together. Some may get lost in the clash of ideas, but it does make for an interesting and ever changing sound, eventually dropping the pace and slowing down into a more hazy atmosphere akin to the opener.
Campbell likes to keep surprising us and does so again by ending the 3-track EP with a cover of the animated series Rick and Morty’s Goodbye Moonmen. With vocals featuring for the first time and provided by Michael Mayo, his soothing and soulful sounds caress the track and really come alive in the chorus. With more than a nod to the great David Bowie in structure and sound, the track floats along on a sea of serenity with a distinct, futuristic lofi pop sound.
Lo-Fi Bass Music For Quarantine is as eclectic as it comes in both sound and source material. From jazz classics to cartoon capers, the short and sweet EP completely deconstructs the sound of the originals and turns them into something completely new. Campbell has a talent for creating lofi soundscapes that can be built around in both energetic or subtle ways and it will be interesting to see where he goes with the upcoming LP.
Score: 3/5
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