NF – NF (EP) | Jam the Hype

Real. It seems to be the growing theme for CHH in recent days. Real life, real issues, real struggles, real Jesus. For Nate Feurerstein, who goes by “NF,” it’s easy to see (and hear) that real recognizes real with his new self-titled EP. While his name might be new to many, he is far from new to the scene. Even after features on the Move, Vol. 1 compilation and “Start Over” on Flame’s album, Royal Flush, NF is “just warming up.”

This EP hits hard with a mix of lyrical transparency and production where no track is wasted. From the very beginning, “All I Have” drops an anthem that gives a raw look into NF’s passion for music, how hardship has touched his life, and his devotion to Christ. He tells us of his struggle of working while pursuing a dream and how he gives all he has. There is so much encouragement in this track for those who have a dream from God and want to quit. NF gives a great balance of grinding hard and continuing to dream. It’s all he is. It’s all he has.

“Wake Up” pays us with a reality check. This track starts on a softer note and then hits us at our core with a message of not living life “in a coma.” The themes that he hits are living our life in pursuit of material possessions and comparing ourselves with those around us. NF challenges us to “Wake Up” to the fact there is more to life!

We really begin to see NF’s ability as a lyricist with “Hands Up.” This track is anything but “pretty laid back” as he mentions at the beginning but hits on all cylinders. If the hook on this track doesn’t, then the bass mixed with guitar will have your “Hands Up.” This is that track that I turn up a little louder as I’m driving.

The pop-influenced “Only One” shows NF’s devotion to the love of his life. He not only expresses his willingness to fight for her but also acknowledges his shortcomings as well. Humility reign’s true as he recognizes his life is less without her, and he will not give up on their relationship. This song will be a great encouragement for all couples that are working and fighting through issues.

NF talks about people’s motivations in “Thing Called Love.” It’s almost a continuation of “Only One” in the theme of love. He hits hard about the negative effects of how people can misuse love for there own selfish purposes. Pain, hopelessness, and unforgiveness. These are the negative byproducts of giving our love to someone who doesn’t love us back. We are given hope by the end of the track though, as NF let’s us know that God can take all the pain away as we find the right one to give our love to. I like the idea behind this track, but I didn’t like the production. While using distortion can help to give atmosphere to the theme of the song, I found it to be a bit distracting.

Putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece isn’t an easy feat, and NF has done such a great job that it is no surprise that he ends this EP on an epic note. While this track uses some of the same distortion as the last track, it redeems itself with a battlefield theme. You have been introduced to NF and gotten to know him a bit, but you find that he’s not finished yet. We see that this is just the prologue to a story for which we have yet to read. As NF keeps writing, I am eager to see what the future holds. If this is what an EP looks like, I’ve got that album pre-order on lock!