Is N.O.W Is the Time a good place to start with Nightmares on Wax?

Yes, N.O.W Is the Time is recommended as a starting point for new Nightmares on Wax listeners. A soothing blend of downtempo grooves and lush, soulful melodies that invites introspection and relaxation. By 2014, Nightmares on Wax had established themselves as a cornerstone of the UK electronic scene, with 'N.O.W Is the Time' marking their sixth studio album. This release followed their celebrated record 'Carboot Soul' (2002) and showcased a refined sound that blended elements of trip hop, soul, and jazz-inflected rhythms, reflecting their evolution over two decades in the industry.

Who is N.O.W Is the Time for?

N.O.W Is the Time works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic flow, laid-back grooves for introspective moments and danceable rhythms for relaxed gatherings.

How many songs are on N.O.W Is the Time?

N.O.W Is the Time has 28 tracks, running approximately 145 minutes.

N.O.W Is the Time

Nightmares on Wax · 2014

145 min · 28 tracks · electronic music

A soothing blend of downtempo grooves and lush, soulful melodies that invites introspection and relaxation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Wish Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Les Nuits — This track exemplifies the album's signature vibe, combining mellow beats with rich instrumentation that creates a dreamlike atmosphere, making it a standout in their discography.
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Now Is the Time — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its uplifting message and engaging rhythm, resonating deeply with listeners seeking motivation and positivity.
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Dreadover Board — With its intricate layering of sounds and hypnotic rhythm, this track showcases the artist's trademark ability to merge eclectic influences into a cohesive listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends soothing grooves with live instrumentation, creating a cohesive and introspective listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent downtempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation and tempo shifts.
Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, such as piano and guitar, which adds a layer of warmth to the electronic foundation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamic flow
laid-back grooves for introspective moments
danceable rhythms for relaxed gatherings
soulful melodies inviting reflection
long-form listening for deep engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone hits only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog, showcasing their signature sound without being a standout.
Themes: dreamlike atmospheres· soulful grooves· UK electronic evolution
Career context: By 2014, Nightmares on Wax had established themselves as a cornerstone of the UK electronic scene, with 'N.O.W Is the Time' marking their sixth studio album. This release followed their celebrated record 'Carboot Soul' (2002) and showcased a refined sound that blended elements of trip hop, soul, and jazz-inflected rhythms, reflecting their evolution over two decades in the industry.
Stylistic neighbors: Bonobo· Thievery Corporation· Air