An intimate journey through melancholy and sweetness with “Is This Nice?”, an alternative-folk track from Devendra Banhart’s 2019 album “Ma”.
A Whispered Introduction to the Soul
Is This Nice? is one of the most delicate and welcoming tracks on Ma, the album that marked a new chapter in Devendra Banhart’s career in 2019. In this song, the American-Venezuelan artist steps away from his more eccentric sonic experiments and embraces a heartfelt minimalism that strikes deep. With a soft voice and essential arrangements, Banhart leads us through an intimate reflection, almost whispered into the listener’s ear, staying true to his unmistakably offbeat lyricism.
An Atmosphere Suspended Between Nostalgia and Tenderness
The song glides gently over a sonic landscape made of acoustic guitar, light piano touches, and a barely-there rhythm. Simplicity is the song’s strength: every note is measured, every word seems carefully chosen. The lyrics reflect on relationships, solitude, and the yearning for comfort in the small things. The tone is melancholic, yet not devoid of hope, like an autumn afternoon still warmed by the sun.
A Refined Example of Alternative-Folk
Is This Nice? fits perfectly within the alternative-folk genre, a space that Banhart has helped redefine over the years. This style, which blends traditional folk roots with more modern and experimental elements, finds in this track one of its most intimate and authentic expressions. Here, folk is not just a musical aesthetic but a form of introspective, heartfelt storytelling. Banhart’s voice, fragile yet controlled, is the primary instrument of a whispered confession, turned into song.
“Devendra Banhart” by Ella Mullins is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Emotional Maturity of Ma
Within Ma, Is This Nice? holds a special place. It’s a moment of stillness in an album that speaks of motherhood, roots, affection, and transformation. The track perfectly embodies the reflective and affectionate tone of the entire work. Banhart reveals himself more vulnerable and genuine than ever, leaving behind the eccentric persona of his early days to share something profoundly sincere. He’s an artist who no longer aims to surprise for the sake of it but chooses to communicate through simplicity and restraint.
A Small Emotional Refuge
Is This Nice? is more than just a song, it’s a small emotional refuge. In just over three minutes, Devendra Banhart manages to create a space of quiet and introspection, an invitation to slow down and truly listen. In an increasingly noisy world, this gentle musical moment responds with a simple yet essential question: Is this, perhaps, a little bit nice?
