The Novus have been one of Birmingham’s most solid underground acts for quite some time. With striking appearances, manic live shows and chaotic songs, the band have all what it takes to go the next level. Their debut EP ‘Thaleia Standing’ may just be the the driving force behind breaking that next door down.
After several years playing live shows and releasing music, the band has been going their business nicely. They haven’t felt rushed to make this debut EP, which works in their favour. Over these first couple of years, the band have developed their sound and image, all building to this debut EP. There’s a lot to respect about that, they’ve been patient and have struck at possibly the best time, with venues (hopefully) opening soon and fans gagging for live music – and this EP is perfect for that.
If you’ve listened to The Novus before, then you’ll know their music blessed with weighty guitars, provocative lyrics and SUBLIME vocals. This has all of that tied up in five songs, so if you listen to this fresh, you’ll get a clear understanding of what they’re about.
‘I Serve Not’ is the opening track, which was the first single release of the EP, and is a great intro to the band. We’re welcomed to the track by concierge Nick Cave, as the influence of the enigmatic Australian is alive in this one. The crashing drums amongst the lurking guitars are eerie, as they stalk the introduction. However, when the guitars want to come out, there’s no prior warning as they throw themselves into you for a huge chorus – this being the highlight of ‘I Serve Not’.
The guitar work throughout the EP is immense, there’s a serious amount of talented axe handlers in Brum, but I think Thomas Rhodes is my personal favourite. Being the only guitar in the band is hard enough, but he creates some truly gut-busting riffs.
This can be heard once again in ‘Hate is the Cancer’ as the drudging bass sounds like it’s being unearthed from the dirt, while the quick-tempo guitar creates an urgency. The instrumental start reminds me of early Blinders, which I love. The Novus are big fans of the Doncaster band and it’s heard here, so if they’re you’re bag, you’ll be all over this. The mid-breakdown wile be eaten up at live shows as you can envisage a circle forming ready for the mosh as lead singer Conor Hill tears down the lies of modern society.
‘Overdrive’ is perhaps my favourite track on the record, as the band completely let loose, and features the best guitar work on the whole release. Which is at a high standard throughout. It’s very gutsy and tribal, as once again these memorable riffs are created. The heavily over-driven guitars have an old-school riff, which wouldn’t sound too out of place on a Black Sabbath record.
‘Castaway’ was the final song released prior to the EP, with another of the bands wonderful videos that paint the song out so well. This leans into a more psychedelic instrumentation, the whirring guitars once again create a perfect bed for Connors vocals. Always fascinated with front people that aren’t tied to an instrument, as they can express themselves that bit more without having to focus playing music. Connor makes full use of this in live shows, and you can hear it through his delivery, his vocals are his weapon of choice along with his acidic lyricism.
Across the entire EP, Connor’s vocals are nothing short of magical. To deliver these bursts of anger, without sacrificing any melody makes me very jealous. It’s a wonderous cross between shouting and singing, and it works so well. This really sets The Novus apart, as no band has frontman like this. On videos you struggle to take your eyes off him, as his charisma seeps through the screen.
The best vocal performance comes from the final track ‘Journey (With No End)’, this once again is heavily influenced by the forever references Nick Cave. The guitars are sharp and mean, painting a bleak picture for the listener. The whole production of the song makes it feel like the end (contrary to the name). Huge synths are use to create a larger than life atmosphere, where Connor is in his natural habitat. The effects on the harmonies are expertly used, creating another element just using the letting them ring out. Naturally the EP ends in blind bedlam, as it seems everything is going every direction and I can’t wait to see it play out live.
The EP is so well done, and was definitely worth the wait. Even though the band haven’t been around for too long, it seems like they’ve evolved and found their sound amongst everything else. I think this is a good advert for bands to take their time and let themselves creatively grow before pulling the trigger and releasing an EP or album. Hopefully live shows aren’t too far away and we can hear this release in all its glory, but until then lets spin it back and give ‘Thaleia Standing’ a round of applause.