Nanitendaio is the moniker under which talented Irish multi-instrumentalist Eoin Butler operates, and this year sees the release of his pleasing, if somewhat disjointed, self-titled debut EP.
Things get of to a great start with ZzzZzzzz, as gentle acoustic picking and a minimalist vocal refrain open the EP. The song is ambient and calm, while still displaying a pulse and movement that’s provided by an adept drum performance. It builds in an impressively subtle manner to its close, where a guitar lead that almost touches on American country elevates the final moments. ZzzZzzzz is a gorgeous track, and a very effective opener.
Butler ventures into different sonic territories on the EP’s three remaining tracks. Stay is a curious instrumental piece, where a sparse opening leads quite unexpectedly into a groove that feels almost Latin. Some clever use of brass instrumentation confirms Butler’s ability as a multi-instrumentalist, and adds a nice sense of energy to this odd, fun track.
His voice makes a welcome return on Whois Latin, where we see another stylistic departure. With an intro that touches on elements of post-rock and a chorus that moves into more traditional indie/alt-rock terrain, it’s another well-crafted piece that’s lifted by Butler’s strong vocal harmonies and melodies. ‘Nanitendaio’ is at its strongest when the musicianship, which is clearly highly capable, marries the vocal in this manner. If perhaps lacking in a strong lyrical sense right now, Butler’s voice displays a naturally attractive timbre – in future releases it would be nice to hear more of his vocal personality imprinted on the music, because the ability, if not yet the confidence, is clearly there.
As is so often the case with debut EPs, ‘Nanitendaio’ is a stylistically fragmented piece that shows an artist learning and developing his craft. Drift for instance, is an instrumental that feels like an interlude rather than a closer, and lacks the structural intellingence of Stay, or the melodic edge of Whois Latin and ZzzZzzzz.
It’s a disappointing finish to the EP, but doesn’t dim the quality and originality of the preceding tracks, where there are certainly some very interesting ideas at play and pleasing songs to be heard. Overall, ‘Nanitendaio’ is a highly enjoyable listen, and marks Butler out as a musician of real promise. One, as you might have guessed, to keep a close eye on.