NOVELLA : Land

Novella, a literate name for a band that is equally evocative and metaphorical, with sibylline vocals à la Trish Keenan of Broadcast, layers of poetry induced fuzz and an art work which is to say the least thought provoking. This five-piece has the ability to be as ethereal as it can be voluptuous, as mysterious as it can be blunt, as lunar as it luminous, bursting with energies which are both earthy and spatial.

Their songs are even richer than their visuals, more sensual and masterly produced by Joshua Third aka Joshua Hayward, guitarist of the Horrors and Jonas Verijnen. The British band has easily recognizable atmospheres and imaginaires, arranged by Hayward, which may have certain similarities here, although Novella has its own identity and firmament.

Hollie Warren’s voice is instantly inviting, taking you straight to that promised Land with “Follow”, via a wide array of dreamy tapestries. Novella have an infectious charm about them, they have a whirlwind of influences which get the listener hooked, the hypnotic side of shoegaze with a different twist and energy, something otherworldly in its vocal harmonies that makes it quite unique, refreshing and bold at the same time. “Something Must Change” feels like a catapult, it catches you off guard and with its deliciously distorted guitars, then takes you to cloud nine in the blink of an eye. Layered fragments of bliss and sass.

The band succeeds in keeping the listener under its spell. They differentiate themselves by being real and enchanting, modern and yet timeless, ranging from knockout stormy numbers to swirling astral tunes, luring whoever like mermaids called nearby sailors. Pure and intelligent earcandy where vulnerability and euphoria coexist for the better and weave in and out. Novella have a realm of their own, let’s hope they keep that candor and fire to keep the listener enthralled… “Skies Open” is the last spaceship to an unknown destination, leaving a distinct halo on the band’s trail.   

Land was released on Sinderlyn Records in June 2015.

THE HORRORS : Luminous

“We wear any colour you like as long as it’s black” is The Horrors’ motto.

Oscillating between darkness and light in their odyssey of sound, the five-piece makes no radical statement this time. Their three former albums were about as different as night and day but with Luminous, they have remained closer to the summery and bright atmosphere of Skying.

However, this new record sounds more mysterious than the previous one, especially vocally.

Faris Rotter’s singing outbursts are long gone, at least on record, his voice is now more crooner like, which is of course endearing and almost snake-charming, in a film noir shade of black way.

How did these vivacious Londoners who were once all over the place get so metaphorical?

Like wise Leonard Cohen said : “there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

The Horrors immerse the listener in hypnotic ambiances revolving around moods and personify the elements in this instance. The song titles are thoughtful and dreamy, a reminder of their exquisite lyrical range.

Luminous evokes sunshine, clear skies and oozes that mellow vibe that makes you feel high as a kite. “First Day of Spring” is the first pinnacle on the record, followed by “In & Out of Sight” that has a slightly electro added value with its finger on the pulse.

“Jealous Sun” epitomizes the best of this new effort with its poetic, original and evocative half lunar, half incandescent beam.

Is this record a transition before a more drastic statement like they used to make?

Time will tell how these sonic chameleons will keep defining their music.

With their chiaroscuro of black, they are able to take us to the moon and back whilst painting black and white rainbows and jet black vinyl sun.

Stay tuned for the next trip in space and time.

Luminous was released on XL Recordings on May, 5th 2014.