Before I’ve heard one note of Novels I like them because the booklet in their handsomely produced digi-pack states proudly ‘let’s make some noise’. Now that’s a sentiment I can get behind. Happily, the product matches up to its mission statement and Novels open with a vicious slab of post-nu-metal-post-rock-post…ah f*** it, they open with a great, vicious slab of impossible-to-categorise rock that recalls Deftones, Fallen to and even the late, lamented five point 0 who released a spectacular debut and then crumbled by the wayside. Thus it is that Novels couple dynamic, highly varied rock music with ethereal vocals that are just on the right side of quiet and possessed of a gentle menace that threatens to break at any point. Musically literate, stylistically fascinating and, yes, capable of making one hell of a noise Novels are a seriously cool prospect.
Having wowed audiences with the first track, ‘like this’ similarly announces its presence with a raging, nervy riff that slam-dunks the listener from the off. Happily, the production is of a power that lets every beat breathe comfortably and the guitars sound simply awesome when they take off, as they do on the heavier-than-thou chorus, all of which makes Savior (sic) such a convincing package. This is, indeed, one of those albums where tunes and ideas fly past so quickly that you often miss them, only catching the gorgeous melodies on the second listen – certainly the case with the stunning ‘no fake smile’ which shimmers beautifully like heat haze in the desert, while the APC-esque ‘drama’ is a jaw-dropping exercise in taut percussion, excellent bass and guitar work and a build up that climaxes in a swirling maelstrom of metal-inflected art-rock that gets progressively heavier and heavier until the storm breaks and lighter elements add dapples of Jesu-esqe light to the proceedings. Arguably the best track on the album, it’s a tough call because there are few tracks which are, in all honesty, weaker than this scintillating blast of noise and drama.
Having lulled you into a beguiling lull, the storm truly hits as Novels pull of a cheeky trick and knock the unwary flat on their asses with a HUGE guitar riff on ‘Siamese’. It’s not unlike a track from Deftones’ amazing ‘white pony’ album and the vocal harmonies and Chino-esque moments are entirely welcome, although at times you have to check that it isn’t him singing. ‘Given’ is equally belting but features a powerful, impassioned vocal performance that is probably the best on the disc with the raw emotion bleeding through the slightly distorted take. However, as fine as the tracks have been to this point the album delivers its coup-de-grace in the form of the mighty closing track ‘Hey girl’ which references Filter, Sunna (amazing and sadly short-lived Bristol band) and Smashing pumpkins all at once while sounding absolutely phenomenal.
So is ‘Savior’ a perfect album? Well, not quite, but then perfection is rather a high standard to aim for. While this is a remarkable record which will be in my player for a good long time and which oozes quality, emotion and astonishing musicianship there are moments (and these are fleeting) where the disc veers dangerously into pure Deftones territory. Happily these moments are rare and for the most part Novels carve out their own impressive and exciting sonic territory. My only hope now is that the band head over to England because the one thing that would improve this mighty, impressive record is to see the band perform it in the flesh. In the meantime this is a standout record from a standout band and I can’t wait to hear more of their output.
Check out this amazing band now at www.myspace.com/novelsmusic – you won’t regret it.
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