Ilgen-Nur - “Nothing Surprises Me”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Beach House, Cherry Glazerr, Black Belt Eagle Scout

German artist Ilgen-Nur covers a surprising amount of ground within the emotive, heavy sound on her 2019 debut record Power Nap, from the vulnerable, mid-tempo dream rock track “In My Head” to the shoegaze drive of “Easy Way Out”. While steeped in slow grunge and garage rock, Ilgen-Nur’s songwriting opens up her music in surprisingly warm ways, highlighted by softer, spacier single “Nothing Surprises Me”. No matter the mood, Ilgen-Nur’s highlight instrument is her lowly rich, baritone vocal tone, yielding a soft power that resonates smoothly within the minor arpeggiations and soundwaves that form the moody undercurrent of Ilgen-Nur’s sound. (Kevin McStravick)