Man, let me tell you something groovy about NYMPHYA’s latest album, What Have I Forgotten? As a seasoned traveler of the psychedelic landscape—think back to the days when the Grateful Dead were weaving their magic, and everyone was wearing tie-dye and saying “far out”—I’ve seen a lot of music come and go. But let me tell you, this album is like discovering a hidden stash of cosmic bliss in the trunk of a VW bus you forgot about!
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/nymphya/
The first thing that hits you when you press play on “What Have I Forgotten?” is a soundscape so immersive, that you’d think NYMPHYA had a direct line to the cosmic consciousness. This track kicks off the journey with a swirl of mystic vibes that could easily be the soundtrack to your next astral projection. It’s like if the Grateful Dead had a baby with Kate Bush and then sent it off to an intergalactic space camp—totally far out, right?
As the album unfolds, you’ll find yourself drifting through a kaleidoscope of sound that’s the lady herself talks up as “art pop,” and this stuff is all parts mind-expanding. Tracks like “Liminal” and “Forgetting to Remember” are like stumbling into a 21st-century version of a psychedelic wonderland, if you took a trip through a kaleidescope. It’s as if NYMPHYA had a cosmic guide to the great beyond and decided to bring along some seriously trippy beats and enchanting vocals.
Now, I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but let’s talk about NYMPHYA’s voice. This gal’s got pipes that could send you to the moon and back. It’s like if you combined the ethereal quality of Enya with the raw emotional power of my favorite girl, Patti Smith, and then sprinkled in a little magic dust.
But hold on, the ride doesn’t stop there. NYMPHYA’s album comes in multiple formats, each more psychedelic than the last. There’s the double vinyl, which is like the holy grail of retro cool. You can imagine spinning these records on a turntable while your lava lamp bubbles away. Or, if you’re more of a digital space traveler, you can opt for the CD or download version. And here’s where it gets really groovy: the album comes with a 170-page hardback book. That’s right—your trip includes a book! It’s like having a lyrical guidebook to your own personal journey through the cosmic soundscape NYMPHYA has created.
Oh, and let’s not forget the spoken word pieces. NYMPHYA’s got these guided meditations that are basically like having a personal guru to lead you through your inner realms, all while her enchanting music sets the scene. Imagine lying on a comfy beanbag, eyes closed, and drifting off into a hypnotic state while her voice and the album’s melodies float around you. Far out, right?
Now, I’m not saying NYMPHYA’s music is just a flash in the pan—this gal’s got chops. Her previous albums, like Dream Dance and Naked Kate, have shown she’s no stranger to creating enchanting experiences. Dream Dance was like a sonic journey through a soundscape rarely visited by mortals, and Naked Kate was a beautiful homage to the mystical Kate Bush. But with What Have I Forgotten?, she’s taken things to a whole new level. It’s like she’s found the secret doorway to a parallel universe and decided to invite us all along for the ride.
Insofar as live performances NYMPHYA will be embarking on her first 5 city UK tour in September 2024 backed by a full band in her 2 hour show “Outside of Time.. Magical Music from The Dreamery” that weaves stories and songs with Brighton, UK artist Rose Thorn.
NYMPHYA TOUR DATES/INFO: https://ghl.nymphya.com/tour
What Have I Forgotten? is a delightful throwback to the psychedelic adventures of yesteryear while also boldly stepping into the future. It’s a testament to the fact that experimental music is alive and well in the modern scene. So, if you’re looking to take a trip through a fantastical soundscape, you might want to check this one out. Grab your favorite tie-dye shirt, a comfy seat, and let NYMPHYA take you on a far-out journey through the cosmos. Peace, love, and good vibes!
Chadwick Easton