Nozuka comes through with solid, acoustic pop in sophomore release

   With three years of writing, recording and touring under his belt, indie pop singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka finally released his sophomore album a few weeks ago titled, “You I Wind Land and Sea.”

   Armed with a guitar and peddling heartfelt, honest lyrics his sound is an artistic blend of pop and soft rock, heavy on the acoustics. After breaking into the music scene in 2007 with his debut album “Holly” he quietly spent the next few years touring and writing, making “You I Wind Land and Sea” definitely worth the wait.

   While “Holly” was a compilation of random thoughts and feelings, “You I Wind Land and Sea” boasts a clichéd, yet refreshing, theme of liberation. Songs like “Carried You” and “Swan in the Water” carry this theme as well as a different sound full of maturation and soul that is slightly reminiscent of the 1970’s.

   Those who might have found themselves hooked by this former “VH1: You Oughta Know” artist’s first single “After Tonight” with its sweet lyrics and melodies will find “My Heart is Yours,” the single off his 2010 release, to hook and tease them with equally sweet lyrics but a stronger sound. The eighth track “Woman Put Your Weapon Down” continues this affect as Nozuka showcases more powerful vocals than heard on “Holly.”

   In an age when we only like maybe two or three songs off a track-list of 11 or 12, “You I Wind Land and Sea” presents itself as a potential candidate for an album where more than half the tracks are liked. While many artists are experimenting with digital effects on their voices and songs, Nozuka still sticks to authentic yet popish instrumentals hoping for his music to be more artistic than “hit” worthy.

   These new tracks stay true to the acoustics of “Holly” complimented by the addition of tambourines and the basics of most garage bands (bass, drums, etc.).

   This has successfully lead to an album rich in catchy lyrics and beats leaving most of his audience wanting more — “You I Wind Land and Sea” has definitely delivered its best to patient fans.

   When talking about “You I Wind Land and Sea” on his website, Nozuka explained “It’s most important to just follow your senses, it doesn’t matter if it’s been done before or if it’s not correct in pop culture or whatever. If it feels right, it’s right.” This feeling seems to seep through every song on the album.

   However, it is only fair to warn that it shows bipolar characteristics of jumping between soft and powerful tracks. Tracks like “Gray”, which is surprisingly tribal, and the very last track “How Low” are both set into a mellower mood. While tracks like “My Heart is Yours” and the album titled track “You I Will Land and Sea” keep true to the continuous soulful feel. But this shift was a vital part of the album’s identity. “It was important to have songs that were open,” the artist explained.

   If “Holly” was the foundation then “You I Wind Land and Sea” will certainly stand strong among Nozuka fans and most likely hook a few new ones craving something fresh and original.