The rise of Nova Twins has been somewhat astronomical. Critically acclaimed albums, major festival appearances, and shows supporting the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Foo Fighters, and Muse are some of the highlights on Amy Love and Georgia South’s growing resumé. There is a handful of awards on there, too. In short, they’ve achieved quite a lot in their young career. Yet with success comes expectation. Therefore, the duo retreated to Vermont with producer Rich Costey to create what would become their third album, ‘Parasites & Butterflies’.
Taking the opportunity to decompress and assess how far they’ve come has allowed. However, ‘Parasites & Butterflies’ doesn’t abandon the genre-fluid brand of alt rock. If anything, they’ve embraced it and paired it with a narrative of vulnerability and optimism. The buzzy basslines of ‘Piranha’ complement a confident swagger from the duo, before ‘Monsters’ sees their masks slip, yet deliver one of the album’s biggest hooks. Along with the opening track, ‘Glory’ with its operatic refrain of “Glory, Hallelujah, Save you from yourself,” Nova Twins set the bar high early on.
Over the course of the record, the expected genre-crossing flourishes provide vibrant variety. Whether that’s on the sultry R&B clicks backing the empowering words of ‘Soprano,’ or how they turn the eluring ballad ‘Hummingbird’ into a dubstep-infused ballad with a nod to Love’s Iranian heritage. There are also hints of drum’n’bass (‘Sandman’) and rap-rock (‘N.O.V.A.’). It’s all executed organically and feels firmly in Nova Twins‘ stylistic realm.
Another noteworthy trait is the pair’s ability to deliver infectious grooves. The pulse of ‘Hide & Seek’ is provided by South’s bass before ‘Hurricane’s words of defiance bubble with military drums. Meanwhile closing track, ‘Black Roses,’ mixes gothic imagery with an almost pop-punk hook. It gives ‘Parasites & Butterflies’ an end run of tracks as strong as its opening.
Although the quality isn’t consistent throughout, Nova Twins continue to impress. A layered sound palette is complemented by an honest narrative. Themes of empowerment (‘Soprano’), and desire (‘Drip’) highlight Love and South’s confidence, yet are countered by unguarded moments of toxic relationships (‘Hide and Seek’) and self-doubt (‘Monsters’).
Having overcome the possibility of a sophomore slump, Nova Twins have crafted a third album that embraces risk and rewards listeners with honesty, groove, and bite. The risks don’t always land, but their bravery in pushing their stylistic confines is hard not to admire.
‘Parasites & Butterflies’ by Nova Twins is released on August 29th on Marshall Records.
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