Album Review: DELLA NOVA – Della Nova (Self Released)

Four years in the making, and genesis of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Alex Bowmer, DELLA NOVA will release their long-awaited self-titled debut album on December 13th, 2024.

Unleashing some hefty sounding groove from the start, DELLA NOVA set up the senses for an album filled with rocking power throughout. Power that comes from big riffs, expansive soloing, smooth and dreamy vocals, bursts of body-shaking energy, and thoughtful progressive melody. All wrapped up with a nostalgic alternative ribbon that blends old-school vibes with contemporary thinking.

All evident within an attention-grabbing grunge-infused opener, Wachasay, the experimental sound of You Know with its throbbing bass lines and vigorous final moments, and the fuzzy excitability of Stand Up. This latter track is an accessible anthem, and will no doubt prove to be popular amongst the listener base, especially as it has the power to sound strong live.

Adding even layers of atmosphere to the overall listen are short passages and two of them come either side of Stand Up. Before, it’s We Need A Way Out and a heightened sense of drama, and after, it’s Peanut Butter Breath, which has just a little touch of weirdness about it. Pay attention though, DELLA NOVA are telling us things here.

Fear not though, if you do just want to move and groove, there’s plenty more to come on this album. First, Gimme Love has infectious rhythm and a singalong chorus. Then there’s On the Blue, the most melodic track of all and a thrilling showcase of Alex Bowmer’s vocal range. Before the short ‘intermission’ of Erica offers up an unexpected drum solo, which is cool.

Take a deep breath though as it is followed by the epic of the album, Rise with the Wind. DELLA NOVA fully embracing a more progressive edge and unleashing a cacophony of creative rock ideas that come together in spectacular fashion. It’s dense, it’s brawny, it’s temperamental, and it grooves… hard, none the less.

So powerful, and the impact is felt right up to the end, as Astral leans into a more melodic side and easily takes up residence inside the brain thanks to its chorus. Then, finally, it’s Welcome Home and a timely reminder that while DELLA NOVA can deliver rocking anthems, they can also get a bit weird and this instrumental finale proves that emphatically.

Still, one hell of an impression has been left. It has been a long time coming, but in the end, it was worth wait.

DELLA NOVA – Della Nova Track Listing:

1. Wachasay
2. You Know
3. We Need A Way Out
4. Stand Up
5. Peanut Butter Breath
6. Gimme Love
7. On the Blue
8. Erica
9. Rise with the Wind
10. Astral
11. Welcome Home

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