Egyptian artist Nour releases an introspective single, ‘Nogoum’, an intimate effort on bedroom pop with a pinch of whimsical lo-fi soundscapes.
Produced by French-Moroccan multi-instrumentalist Zouj and Kubbara, ‘Nogoum’ encapsulates Nour’s complex journey of personal growth. The track touches on themes of self-discovery and maturity, reflecting her struggle with crippling anxiety in a world filled with noise and uncertainty. Nour candidly explores her approach to dissociation as a temporary escape from her inner turmoil, providing a glimpse into her psyche.
‘Nogoum’ opens with a lush blend of swirling synthesizers and crisp Middle Eastern percussive instruments, which unfolds into shimmering synths that evoke an uplifting energy tinged with melancholia. Nour’s melodic vocals float over the intricate production, imbuing the song with emotional depth as she grapples with self-acceptance.
As the song progresses, the rhythmic backbone evolves, showcasing a delicate interplay between electronic beats and organic sounds, reminiscent of contemporary bedroom pop’s signature sensibility. Lyrically, ‘Nogoum’ explores her tendency to dissociate from reality, emphasizing the importance of confronting inner turmoil.
The music video for ‘Nogoum’, directed by Mazen Bayoumi, opens with a shot of Nour in an abandoned warehouse, her body movements restrained by warped wires plugged into her head. This imagery alludes to the constraints imposed by her inner turmoil. As the video progresses, we see Nour remove the electric wires, symbolizing her decision to reclaim control over her thoughts and take agency over her life.
Released under MDLBEAST Records, ‘Nogoum’ comes on the heels of Nour’s feature on the latest LP by the globally renowned electronic group WhoMadeWho, titled ‘Kiss & Forget’. Her collaborative track, ‘A3la’, complements the album’s exploration of ephemeral love, adorned with pulsating rhythms and a lush synth backdrop.
