Naima Bock, whose second solo album is out this month, Most of the writing of Naima Bock’s second album, “Below A Massive Dark Land” (out 27th September via Sub Pop), was a solitary affair. It may not sound it – it’s made up of strong, purposeful arrangements with a huge host of musicians; filled with cradling space and warm light. This will also come as a surprise to anyone who has seen Naima perform in the time since the release of her 2022 debut “Giant Palm”, as it’s undoubtedly a communal experience.
With a band of ten, three, or even just solo, when Naima plays there’s a rare bond between the musicians on stage and the audience. In their interview with her, The Quietus declared “after every song the applause and cheering is immense, so immense in fact that it seems to be coming from a different place than the usual formalities of a live show, a link between performer and artist forged somewhere deeper and more personal.”
This results in a record that may occasionally appear to contradict itself; communal but solitary, rooted in place but free, intimate but spacious. This, however, is what makes Below… comforting and familiar. Who doesn’t contain within them these contradictions, who doesn’t want things that are directly at odds with each other. Like the safe spaces Naima has found the world over, “Below…” doesn’t require all the answers, not yet, but provides a safe place to look.
Naima’s list of “foundation” albums includes records by Elliott Smith, Palace Music, Baden Powell & Vinicius de Moraes, Alabaster de Plume, and more.
“Below a Massive Dark Land” is out Friday, September 27th via Sub Pop Records
The Fat Angel Sings 