LA-based Ramona Gonzalez has been recording under the alias Nite Jewel for a good few years now, but until the release of Liquid Cool earlier this month, we hadn’t heard an album from her since 2012’s One Second of Love: a record that merged a pop sensibility with tones of electronic and dance to create something both addictive and intriguing. Still, a lot’s changed for Nite Jewel since then – not least of all Gonzalez’s move away from her previous label and into an absolutely independent, DIY closet-recording set-up.
Fittingly, Liquid Cool reflects this change of circumstance, boasting nine songs all produced and performed solely by Nite Jewel herself. From the gauzy, isolated numbers which open the album, to the catchy, house-inflected vibes of “Boo Hoo”, there’s a lot to love on this fiercely emancipated statement of lo-fi intent.
Predictably, Gonzalez brings that same finely wrought taste to bear on her specially curated playlist exclusively for Wonderland. Describing it as a “me time” selection (“aka bath time, yoga time, poetry writing time, etc.”), she’s laid down some excellent low-key tracks to kick back and light some scented candles to. So, plug in and check out Gonzalez’s video for “Kiss The Screen”: it’s weird, wonderful, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
