Album Review: The Next Level by Nicole
Released in 1996, The Next Level by Nicole is a hidden gem of the Dutch electronic music scene that still resonates with fans of Acid House and Techno. Hailing from the Netherlands and released under the Basic Energy label, this album feels like a time capsule of raw, unfiltered beats. With tracks penned and composed entirely by D. v/d Pas, it’s clear there was an intentional focus on crafting something visceral yet strangely hypnotic.
Let’s dive into two standout tracks—because let's face it, not every song sticks forever. First up, “Wow.” It’s aptly named because... well, wow. The track dives straight into classic acid squelches layered over pounding kicks. You can almost picture a dimly lit warehouse filled with ravers losing themselves to its relentless energy. What makes "Wow" unforgettable is how it balances chaos with control; just when you think it might spiral out, it reins itself back in with precision.
Then there’s “Superbad,” which isn’t your typical dancefloor filler—it’s got attitude. This one brings grittier textures and a darker vibe compared to the brighter tones of “Wow.” Its bassline growls like an untamed beast while sharp hi-hats slice through the mix. Listening to it feels rebellious, as if Nicole (or more accurately, D. v/d Pas) wanted to push boundaries without caring much for mainstream appeal. Tracks like these remind us why underground sounds often feel so authentic—they don’t pander.
While The Next Level doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it nails what it sets out to do: deliver hard-hitting, genre-defining tunes rooted in Acid and Techno traditions. Sure, some parts may feel a tad dated now, but that’s part of its charm. After all, nostalgia has a funny way of making imperfections endearing rather than off-putting.
Reflecting on this album, I’m struck by how little credit Dutch artists sometimes get in global conversations about electronic music history. Maybe it’s time we change that narrative. Oh, and here’s the kicker—you won’t find many albums from ’96 where every track feels like it could soundtrack both a wild night out and a late-night existential crisis. That’s The Next Level for you.
