Former Netherlands resident Nicolay is now a North Carolinian. It should be a prosperous move for the producer-instrumentalist, as his first legit solo disc explodes with hypnotic swaths of harmonies. Even when his collective of upstart guest singers and rhymers talk of trouble, Nicolay's soul-infused jams often remain optimistic. Subtle keys and horn punches provide a sugary backdrop for fellow North Kakalakan Darien Brockington on "I Love the Way You Love" and synths sparkle under Black Spade's braggadocio in "I Am the Man." Nicolay's
behind-the-boards prowess scintillates even in ...