NombreKari brought us his his latest EP, Year 18, last night on his 18th birthday. Consisting of two very contrasting songs, Year 18 gives listeners a glimpse into NombreKari’s talent of being able to evoke raw emotion through a very melancholy track, and one that makes your blood rush.
Following the release of his EP Venus Doesn’t Exist, NombreKari continues to roll out Take Care era inspired lustful songs. Right as Valentine’s Day rolls past, the lingering sadness attached to the holiday molds perfectly with the first track on the EP, “Morning.”
This track is an amorous and passionate ode to meeting up with a girl that he has had his eye on. What draws you into the song isn’t only the hectic feeling of being a teenager and making all the time possible, but the eerie vocals presented by Celia Benito and ColdWind’s Jared Lanell. Produced by Gus Chvany, the production remains uncomplicated and consistently quiet throughout the song, allowing the beat to sink into the background. You can’t help but be captivated by Kari’s pleading voice and the sugary yet lustful lyrics. Playing into the sweet side of the track, Celia’s agile and delicate vocals blend perfectly with Kari’s deeper vocals to present the perfect contrast. Lanell’s soothing yet lustful vocals come into play towards the second half of the track and destroy the sweetness built by Celia to present a more yearning feeling based on the raspiness and passionate voice he carries. As “Morning” comes to a solemn yet comforting end, the EP moves into the second track, “Jumpin.”
“Jumpin” is an emotionally charged, upbeat song. Produced by the talented NOELZ V, the song is perfect to lose yourself to in a mosh pit or even just sitting at home and letting it consume your mind. The production is meticulous and brings out the carelessness in you. With the background vocal of a man ordering “Everybody fucking jump”, you can’t help but lose it. Kari comes in with a controlled yet woozy voice to bring you a cult like hook;
“Toes on the edge I been feelin like jumpin
Doing shit wrong on purpose like fuck it
Take another sip I’m done man fuck it
Ima refill till I can’t feel nothing”
The song just embodies the spirit of someone who has lost the patience and is letting all go now. The verse delivers some of his best rapping we’ve seen from Kari yet, presenting consistency and emotion through topics that most are uncomfortable addressing.
When asked what the goal for the EP was, Kari didn’t have a deep message or purpose behind the project, rather that it is simply a message that “things are about to be taken to the next level.” Check the project out below and experience two extreme feelings amazingly illustrated through the project before NombreKari takes it to the next level.