Nocturnal Omissions’ latest album was recorded in isolation during the pandemic with songs fueled by depression. It’s his most endearing and truest display of expression and closest to realizing his artistic vision yet. With talented compositions and production, this is truly the high point of his musical career. Check out “Tempus Destinatum” below:
“Unfamiliar Places” is a fitting opening song title, as the listener does not know which direction Nocturnal Omissions will be taking us on his music this time around. The delicate piano and ripe drums lay the red carpet forward, allowing for the thumping kick drum to move the listener into this unknown house of music and intrigue. The Eastern style solos soar gracefully over the rhythmic beats, allowing us to prepare for what’s to come. In “Frozen Landscape,” we’re introduced to the chill-wave energy and it feels as though we’re exploring a newly discovered snow planet. You can nod yourself into a dream world with this delectable treat.
“Endless Queues” has a super smooth Hip-Hop beat drive the song forward accompanied by a lingering synth that swathes over the ears to entrap you in a pulsing sway. “Entry Scanner” picks up the pace with a varied range of instrumental combinations to form a lasting impression of positivity and promise. “False Upgrade” is what’d you hear in a Neo Tokyo future where robots cater to your every whim. The driving synth will prevent you from sitting still and you will be electromagnetically connected to move to where the beat takes you. As usual, the production is clear and defined, as to be expected from any Nocturnal Omissions album.
“Parasitic Infection” has all the drum and bass you’ll need for a month. The rolls, claps, kicks and hi hats are impressively strewn together and then the dubstep influence comes crashing in with the signature wobble sounds you’d expect from the top performers of the genre back in the golden era. This sound and feel represents what’s new on “Tempus Destinatum.” There’s a more focused intention on the sound being created and the result is euphoric.
“Putting Away” is a slower track featuring a slapping bass sound that brings out the funk, while “Safety Demonstration” is a dance-inspired song that is unique, daring, yet accessible. “Cabin Pressure” is the high point of the album as all the instruments converge to provide a landscape that mixes acoustic sounding instruments with electronic percussion, underlined with a moving piano arrangement that adds a layer of complexity, resulting in a daunting and daring experience. Imposing melodies and compositions align to form one of the best Nocturnal Omissions tracks. Everything you’ve enjoyed by his music happens in this track.
“Upright and Locked” has us stepping into the world of Tron. There are neon lights everywhere and they’re all leading to the dance floor. The guitar mixed with that oozing synth mix class and sass in a relishing way. “Rough Landing” is dark, epic, haunting and penetrating. A wavering synth midway is intimidating and creates a whole atmosphere that is just delightfully frightening. Last but not least is “Baggage Claim” to mark the end of this journey. Calm and inspiring, it sends us off into he sunset on a good note, allowing us to reflect on our lives as well as what we just heard.
For all the ups and downs that Nocturnal Omissions has experienced in his personal life, the music he has created to this point is enough to stand back and marvel at. Although a harsh critic of his own music, there is a lot to be a proud of not only on this album but in his discography as a whole. We look forward to hearing what’s next up for our listening pleasure. We salute you!
Discover more of Nocturnal Omissions on Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Instagram, Twitter and his website.
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