"Curious Directions": Paul Nourigat's vibrant new album is all about life and making the best of it.

A vast experience equips everyone, especially songwriters, with the vision of what matters most in life. It might not make for musical flamboyancy that usually takes precedence nowadays, but lessons learnt in the course of one's existence carry surplus value for listeners when retold. "Curious Directions" from Paul Nourigat is a thoughtful curation of songs, each an indispensable nugget of wisdom. It is particularly addressed to the countless many toughing it out, laden with words of hope, positivity, and unfazed optimism.

Years ago, on a birthday, Paul's path crossed with an old, unremarkable guitar. Inspired, he picked up the stringed instrument and decided to devote time to it. Putting aside nagging thoughts of a late start, Paul mustered the patience and resolve to dive into artistry— and in the process, changed his life. The Oregon-based troubadour is now the creator of six albums, spanning insightful and heartwarming tunes that continue to endear plenty around the globe. Fueled by the everlasting sounds of Americana, these tracks range across the grounded simplicity of folk to the grit of Southern rock. An ardent believer in collaborative efforts, he has developed productive relationships with other talented musicians, both locally and globally.

Paul's music— more than being deftly written and composed— has the distinct mark of being molded by someone keen and observant. The welcoming titular track is a grateful ode to times and friendships gone by, recognizing the need to treasure the indelible memories made. Carrying this sincere message is a melodic Americana rock instrumental, endowed with backing vocals, piano, and pleasant, clean-driven guitars. Second in line is "Sliding Side To Side," which has the unmistakable jangle of Surf Rock, its wiry and resonant timbre preceded by words of encouragement, urging to take the rough with the smooth in the roller-coaster ride that life can be.

Laying down a funky groove, "Tunes in my Mind" opens with cavorting drums, the songwriter in his element and buoyantly describing the joyful creativity sourced from making music; on the contemplative acoustic record "Souls Are Singing," the vocalist falls into sondering one particular morning, putting himself in others' shoes and realizing the value of empathy. Tracks like "They're Counting You" and "The Darkside" employ cautionary lyricism, not hesitant to reveal bitter truths learnt from addictive vices like gambling and drinking.

Other themes are explored with fairly admirable variation in compositional qualities: "Edges of the Soul" is far from the smooth folksy rock creations present in the album, opting for a raw and grungier Country route to ponder on how desperation can push someone to their edge; similar

tenacity can also be found on the steadfast and uplifting choruses of "Don't Say Game Over." There's a driven and feel-good strut in "Old Friend Jo," an ebullient tribute to a stimulating cup of coffee, proceeding to shrug off negativity in the laidback tune "Bit Loose and Carefree." Ending on a further positive note, "New Boulevard" is a heartfelt letter to young adults on the cusp of independence— one of embracing the endless possibilities that can emerge, casting aside the fear or shame of failure.

Listen to "Curious Directions" below, and follow Paul Nourigat on his website and Instagram.