Artist: The Nuance
Album: Intricate Simplicity

On first glance, everything about the album is catchy and eclectic. First thing I noticed was the name of the album, an oxymoron that really made me sit and ponder a while.

From the very first second of playback, there is this pull of complete devotion of my attention to the sound, and relaxation that washes over me as I listen to the interesting blend of progressive-ish chords, and so many touches of different genres of music, that I almost forget what century it is that I’m living in as I listen to the album.

Right off the bat with “Hide N Seek” you can feel the rhythm that just emanates from the blend of great variety and skill of the band members. Throughout the tracks, you find that there are elements from many styles of rock that you recognize, the main ones I catch are indie, Adult-Alternative (even though I couldn’t CLASSIFY this band as Ad-Alt) a bit of that 60’s groove, and many others… it’s undeniable that The Nuance has struck a chord for all-around quality and skill in achieving the respect of this music lover. Into the “Tequila Good Times” you are brought into the wonderful world of letting yourself go, as the music begins with a great little riff that swells into this amazingly upbeat tempo that takes you down that memory of ‘Hey, I’ve been there,” with a chuckle and a smile.

The amazing thing about this album is the great transition from track to track that makes it seem as if you’re just chilling with the band in person and there just there, jamming away for your own personal enjoyment. Each track seems to blend, one from the other, as well as the band blends the use of acoustics, slides, cello, amazing drum beats, and outstandingly tasteful vocals. It seems as though this band has some “Houdini” effect that makes you wonder, how did they get that sound?

On the smoother side is “Sweet Summer Rain” that is filled with such creative imagery, of season to season changes and flows, that it just goes to show that this band knows all about great transitions, and what it means for things to blend. It is sheer proof with the musical harmony of instruments, vocals, lyrics and timing that this band is nothing short of clever as well as very intricate, yet simple, its almost astonishing!

A favorite track of mine is “Freelove” which is by far one of the most amazing things I have heard yet to date. It is hard to put into words the amazing collaboration of the melody, and the heartwarming lyrics, and the amazing mood set by the tone of the vocals that just capture you, and pull you into your seat with such a strength, it truly is hard to describe this song. It is just one of those I’d have to say you’d need to hear for yourself. It is quality, greatness, and perfection that is worthy of far more than words!

“Sleepwalking” is so cleverly put together I had to listen to it about five times just because I couldn’t get enough of it. To begin with, the tone of the drums just had me feeling happy-go-lucky, mixed with a tone of that sense of accomplishment, which is how I could best describe this song. Then I came to the conclusion that this track, like all the others on the album are just so freaking amazing, that words alone couldn’t even do them justice. So, the problem I have here is that there aren’t quite enough people out there who KNOW about The Nuance or their amazingly eclectic, clever, elaborate, and retro-yet-modern album that just makes my heart melt every time it comes up in my MP3 player.

All the tracks on this album are amazingly different, in the areas of tone, sound, vocals, melody… Its just so amazing to see a band with such broad span of genre, melodies and sounds that derive from more types of music that I’ve yet to see any band accomplish (or atleast not in a VERY long time.) My kudos to The Nuance for impressing me with the great use of a cello, along with the acoustic, electric and slide guitars, and the amazing drums, and all of it drawn together with the most impressive vocals I’ve ever seen in a local band in the greater Sacramento area. The way it all comes together is just about magical and definitely a feat worthy of national acknowledgement and appreciation, which I’m sure is just around the corner for these guys.

I highly recommend this album to lovers of all genres of music, because I think the Intricate Simplicity album is something for everyone and I believe there will be seldom a person out there who would dislike this.

Simply put: It is AMAZING.

By: Robyn Jungwirth
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I saw the Nuance in concert and was blown away!  The music was fun, flowed very well, and the cello was off the hook.  When I listen to music, I tend to get bored, and I never do with the Nuance.  The CD has been in my car this whole time.  The songs have some variety to them.  The singing and lead guiter are awesome.  I listen to this album over and over again and never get tired of it!
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