EP Nextraterrestrial by Frau Knotz: Seven songs that feel like a video game
Words by Ce Goacher (she/they)
Frau Knotz is the moniker of Taranaki based singer/producer Lauren Nottingham. Her bold, debut EP, Nextraterrestrial, really does take you into another world via cinematic synth pop, and glimpses of the slowed and washy moments that are so precious during a rave.
Previously finding joy in the electro pop world, this is truly a step out of that ship into zero gravity, with plenty of moments that let you drift free of any constraints that might be tying you down. Drum machines tip toe through trip hop, techno, and even moments of R&B, accompanied by Lauren’s beautiful vocals. Even her voice goes off on side quests, sometimes sitting fairly natural other than being drenched in warm reverb, and then by the next passage it has morphed into an auto-tuned cyber queen.
Lauren summons forth both mysterious terror, and gentle joys. In the gaps between beats and lyrics, exploratory arpeggios of thoughtfully synthesised keys lead you to the next adventure. Across its seven tracks, it really does have a video game vibe. I’m perhaps influenced to think this by her music video for Odyssey I, which reminds me of the Kingdom Hearts opening sequence, complete with a Frau Knotz x Final Fantasy avatar.
It all comes to an epic finale on the closing track Skimpy Jumperville, which goes full euphoric acid mode, and wouldn’t be out of place on a Nintendo platformer.
The release is best experienced via the Nextraterrestrial Continual Audio Experience, which comes as its own track at the end of the EP. Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, this is perfect to put on for that next walk to the bus stop. Then get on board and close your eyes.
NZ Top Ten 05.09.24
#HITPICK – Recitals – Champion Runner
#1 – Pining Radiata – These words, these things
#2 – Khaki Department – Harmonicus
#3 – SGP – Sour (live)
#4 – Caru, Dera Meelan – See No Evil (feat. Church and deadforest)
#5 – Carb on Carb - Motuihe
#6 – showponi – SILLY GAMES (THE BUMBLEBEE 2)
#7 – Persimmon – Anglesea
#8 – Frau Knotz – The Heart of Spring
#9 – Night Lunch – Yeah Good, Yourself?
#10 – Death And The Maiden – The Only One