Magic in Minutiae is an alluring 12-track folk journey from Canadian duo Nice Verdes, blending acoustic roots with global influences. Born from a chance meeting during a 2003 peace march, the project reflects their nomadic explorations, rich collaborations, and deep musical chemistry across decades of touring and study — including in Cuba, Colombia, West Africa, and India. The result is a sound that’s both approachably melodic and wonderfully eclectic.
“Load of Songs” commences the album in gorgeous form, melding balmy acoustics and beautifully soaring brass tones as mingling vocal layers contemplate the marvel of so many wonderful songs existing. “Close your eyes, tell me what you hear,” the vocals beckon, embracing the fortune of having so many memorable little melodies in our lives. An evident appreciation for music and artistry is set within an island-like folk frolicking, for a fantastic opener to the album. Subsequent track “Creation is Smiling” exudes a more Parisian feeling in its glowing instrumentation, with accordion and brass interplay guiding into flourishing vocal tones; the sound reminds fondly of Os Mutantes in its playful, colorful allure.
The album’s title track is another delight, feeling like a partner to the opener in its lyrical appreciation of sounds throughout — from carefully crafted songs to the capricious allure of nature sounds. Lovely piano work enamors here, combining with amiable vocal enjoyment for an aesthetic with shades of Vampire Weekend. Other highlights are abound as well, from the shanty-like feel of “Heart of Town” to lush finale “Boat Song,” continuing to display their global folk sound amidst a “whenever we like” calm, free-spirited living. Recorded on Vancouver Island, Magic in Minutiae is an enthralling, dynamic success of an album from Nice Verdes.
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“Load of Songs” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
