Noibla - Under no illusions (2025) [Hi-Res]

Almost exactly seven long years noibla had to wait for their second album. Although Lynx Music's release plans have been in the works for some time, it's only now (April 26) that the album "Under No Illusion" has seen the light of day. For the uninitiated – the name Noibla is nothing but Albion read backwards, because the core of the formation is three musicians-Katarzyna Sobkowicz-Malec (acoustic and classical guitar, vocal production), Krzystof Marzec (keyboard instruments, arrangement, programming, production) and Leszek Jarzębowski (guitars, arrangements, production), who once performed in this well-deserved Krakow band. In relation to the debut ("Hesitation" (2018)), personal changes took place in the formation. Firstly, there is a lack of wind instruments, and secondly-it is in vain to look for a rhythm section here (this time Mr. Malec and Jarzębowski programmed drum tracks and put on synthesizer bass lines). However, this is not the end – on the album we can hear another guitarist-Piotr Galiński. The biggest change was behind the microphone. Katarzyna Sobkowicz-Malec was replaced by Nika Redhart, who is also responsible for the lyrics.

However, before we get to know the voice of the new singer (assuming that we have not heard the songs announcing the album before), the band pleases us with a more than three-minute "Intro" based on the sounds of various keyboard instruments, which together with non-musical sounds (steps, wind) create a disturbing atmosphere. Completing the second track, "It's Making Me Alive" opens with synth chords and a measured drum roll. After a while, Niki's singing comes to this. It is delicate, but with the arrival of the chorus it gains power, and with it the guitar riff reaches our ears. There is no trace of the acoustic-lyrical climate known from "Hesitation". The new singer enchants with her voice once singing strongly, once almost whispering, and in another place admiring vocals. In addition, there are descriptions of Mr. Malec (great Hammonds) and Jarzębowski (excellent solo guitar part). Very successful start.