Saturday Night Underwater

Los Angeles singer-songwriter Nik Freitas began his career as a staff photographer for Thrasher Magazine before turning his interests towards music. His participation in Conor Oberst’s Mystic Valley Band has upped his profile substantially. However, none of this prepares one for the gentle beauty of his solo work. He plays all the instruments himself and his songwriting is equally personal, moving from the private to the philosophical with grace. “Hold That Thought” is a day in the life of a self-conscious soul who makes music closer to his California roots than any indie-rock associations. The genial haze of “Little Man” sounds like a shuffling car trip through a wondrous valley. “Francesca” kickstarts with a pure pop arrangement of piano and horns. “My Only Sail” drifts through time with a lazy feel reminiscent of early-‘70s Pink Floyd. It’s quite an enthralling trip.