NOTES IN MY CAR [REVIEW]

When Nicole Issa (@nicoleissa) first told me the backstory behind her newest single Notes in My Car, I was struck by how similar her explanation was to the lyrics of the track. As if written in a hazy, stream of consciousness-style episode, the latest offering from the songstress is pure authenticity. Dreamy and emotive, Notes in My Car is another product of the COVID induced creative boom of the last two years, sitting somewhere between the artistry of Missy Higgins and Maggie Rogers.

Notes in my Car artwork

Image Credit: Provided by artist

Born out of the simple act (or not so simple) of cleaning one’s car, Notes in My Car is a bittersweet reflection on a former flame and his penchant for hiding handwritten notes. The track is achingly honest and epiphanic. Issa stated that the greatest irony was that the relationship had ended and the feelings had since departed - “... we had separated, he had told me he had fallen out of love with me”. Here’s hoping that Issa either sells/burns the car or opts to never clean it again for fear of another note. 

The track is hauntingly simple, with adequate ornamentation around the lead vocals that complement rather than compete. Production and mixing were covered by James Malone (@j.imm) and Tom Garnett (@tdgarnett), respectively, with mastering courtesy of Tahlia-Rose Coleman (@rosiesaudio). Sentimental keys and strings allow Issa to divulge her experiences with aplomb; building and swelling as if to emulate the rollercoaster of feelings laid out in the lyrical content of the track.

I know you’re gone/moved on with someone

Image Credit: Photograph by Zoe Debuc (@zoe.buc)

Besides her own solo artistry, Issa is currently co-host of the fBI radio segment Tall Pop, an immaculately curated pop-focused show. With (fingers-crossed) much more music on the way and Tall Pop showing no signs of slowing, Issa is surely prepping for a big 2023.

Stream Notes in My Carhere.