Compelling in its serene soundscapes and emotive vocal drives, Moon River is a ravishing new EP from Nathav. The latest project by Mathilde Lunderskov impresses with its downtempo alt-pop captivation, emphasizing themes of overcoming heartbreak. Nathav follows Lunderskov’s other successes — as the lead singer of Scandinavian indie-pop band Lovebites, the founder of dream-pop/noir band Blake, and half of the synth-pop duo Umatic.
The opening track enthralls with its palpable vocal emotion and chilly structural expanse. A dreamy piano-led mystique complements a solemn opening vocal refrain: “You still miss her.” Lyrical depictions of letting go of a past love, even when adoration burns red, prove wholly affecting. The swelling vocal momentum and wintry keys combine for a stylish immersion, melding electro-pop with a bluesy vocal spirit. “Boy Model” ensues with a downtempo electronica direction, feeling cinematic in its slice-of-life depictions. A young male model in New York takes center stage, working through the night “in this no man’s land” — artfully capturing perseverance, loneliness, and a desire for escape in a world filled with temptation.
A clear standout, Moon River is a riveting showcase of Nathav’s knack for gripping tonal evolutions. While the first half stirs with Hollywood-inspired balladry, the second half delivers a caution: “Don’t be fooled by a pretty face.” Pit-pattering percussion, twinkling keys, and sullen vocal effects intertwine with powerful impact. The EP finale, “Look at Us Now,” compels with glistening lushness and introspections on a relationship’s final demise. It’s a fantastic closer with understated delicacy, capping off an EP featuring four emotive and atmospheric tour-de-forces.
