NOURI “Where Do We Go From Here” Single Review

New Zealand’s latest music export Nouri is set to attract a whole lot of attention with her debut release Where Do We Go From Here. And not only is Nouri’s husky vocal tones and Middle Eastern-inspired jams set to be a talking point but Nouri’s story-and quite a story it is—is also going to be of massive interest. Kurdish born and having survived a Syrian refugee camp her transition to pop star can only be described as miraculous. However, her first foray into releasing music reflects not on those big scale social themes but instead focuses on the personal, the communication divide between a struggling couple and their story. No doubt Nouri will have plenty of time and opportunity to delve deeper into her own backstory when the time comes, as Nouri is not only a gifted vocalist but an exceptional songwriter also. For now, this pop gem is the perfect introduction. It’s driven by a clean electric guitar and a subtle house beat, with Nouri’s expressive vocal floating over the top. The song builds from a contemplative verse to a short pre-chorus which is moderately cadenced, until the chorus arrives and Nouri takes the energy level up a notch, but not so much that it distracts from the lullaby-like melody. It’s soothing and calming and works its wonders on you slowly. The production is masterfully spare yet gets layered with other counterpoint rhythms and ambient touches without being too obvious. In particular, the added percussive parts, which gently infuse the track without changing it up completely.
The lyric is direct and highly relatable to anyone, lovers and those searching for love alike. The sound suits the song, it’s that simple, and simplicity, when it comes to intelligent pop is a difficult aspect to pull off. The style contains strains of the current crop of young female artists—Ariana, Dua Lipa, Bea Miller—but there are a few differences, most notably Nouri’s voice, her restrained lilts and yearning tone. It’s no wonder the backing vocals are kept to a minimum; the track doesn’t need it, as Nouri carries the tune through to the end effortlessly and with languid allure. This track is sure to land on radio and streaming playlists quick smart and provide Nouri with the optimal point from which to take a flying leap into mega-pop stardom.