NOEL’s upcoming EP, Mementos out on November 15th, unveils the Stockholm-born artist as a storyteller who has discovered a voice uniquely his own. Following his debut release, Headed North, NOEL dives deeper by exploring the gritty sides of ambition, heartbreak, and self-reflection. Mementos not only reflects his growth in songwriting but also his ability to paint emotions with layered sounds that echo long after the music stops.
The opening track, “Without Calling”, is a vulnerable start that sets the tone with NOEL’s stunning harmonies and the track’s raw chorus. Here, he tackles the complexity of self-worth and letting someone in, even when inner doubts overshadow everything else.
This willingness to approach difficult emotions head-on is a signature of the album. As he moves into “Out of My Mind”, he channels this introspection through an anxious beat and suspense-filled lyrics, creating a haunting experience that explores fear and resilience in equal measure.
The EP’s centrepiece, “Flowers at a Funeral”, is where NOEL shines brightest. Blending pop balladry with an 80s-inspired guitar backdrop and touches of banjo, “Flowers at a Funeral” is a track that feels cinematic yet deeply personal. NOEL’s lyrical honesty, alongside his intricate production, blurs the line between introspection and anthemic pop, bringing a unique depth to his sound.
With dissonant guitar notes and his deep, gravelly vocals, “Nightmares” closes the album with a hauntingly dreamlike aura, reminding one of the fragility of hope and ambition.
Mementos is both a promising step forward for NOEL and shows he’s an artist who’s not afraid to face his inner demons and invites one to do the same. What NOEL has done with Mementos is capture the beauty and struggle of finding yourself.
