Folk/Review Nom De Plume - Circle The Dream

Nom De Plume is an eclectic indie rock band fronted by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Aris Karabelas, along with bassist Michael Magee. Their sound has a surprising pop sensibility that incorporates folk-rock, Americana, and classic and progressive rock elements to create their own resonant style.

Nom De Plume enters their new phase with confidence with “Circle The Dream,” an album that is both sonically and emotionally rich. The album, which features songwriter and singer Aris Karabelas at the front and is driven by Michael Magee's creative bass work, is a masterfully crafted tapestry of progressive flourishes, folk music, Americana, and indie rock. The album, which was recorded in several U.S. states, ranging from Maryland to Wyoming, reflects the breadth of its topics, which include longing, resiliency, and the conflict between pursuing one's aspirations and giving in to expectations.

A focal point is the title track, “Circle The Dream,” an acoustic-driven indie folk rock composition enhanced by lyrical violin notes. Its lines convey the push and pull of ambition and surrender, setting the tone for the album’s introspective voyage. Ambient soundscapes are layered in songs like "The Shadow" and "While My Eyes Gently Weep," which showcase the band's experimental side and go beyond the bounds of conventional indie rock.

The subtle songwriting of Nom De Plume is just as strong as their musicianship. Every song feels purposeful, never overdone, and allows listeners to immerse themselves in the melody. The listening experience is immersive and intensely personal since the melancholy persists but is counterbalanced by moments of clarity and optimism.

In a “Circle The Dream” is more than just an album; it's a meditation on tenacity, an examination of life's turning points, and evidence of Nom De Plume's developing artistic abilities. It asks listeners to stay, think, and eventually dream with them.