Album Review: Novacrow – Look At Me Now (Self Released)

Forming in late 2013, dark and delicious alternative metal band from Liverpool, England, Novacrow is formed of Kitty Staunton on lead vocals/ guitar, Federico “Freddy” Spera on bass/backing vocals and Jonyx on guitars/backing vocals.

Following the successful EPs ‘Black Syrup’, ‘Criminal Mastermind’ and ‘Novacrow: Volume 1’, their debut album ‘Look at Me Now’ aims to showcase the best of Novacrow. Their eclectic sound combines a wild blend of genres, infused with horror influences and a touch of humour. It will be released on September 30th, 2022.

If there’s one word that comes to mind more than any other when it comes to listening to Look at Me Now, it’s the word ‘fun’. This is a fun listen. Filled with rollicking instrumentation that encourages you to move and groove, and delightfully dark and twisted vocals. Novacrow know how to get under the skin and do it with fervour on this album.

Hitting the ground running with a blast of eccentric energy, Shapes in the Sky set the groove-meters to maximum. Before something a little more melodic and powerful comes along with Hollow Armour. A track that features mouth-wateringly moody verses and a dominant chorus that really shows off the talent in Kitty Staunton’s vocals.

Now that there, is a tough track to follow, but don’t count Novacrow out as they bring something amusingly entertaining with the macabre circus show that is Medusa Medusa. Following that up with Hush, a track that has some interesting electronica but is made all the more beastly by the guest growls of Joe Maryanji of Oceanis.

A little sleazy, eerie and infectious; Play My Game’s deep guitar tones help this one move along nicely. Whereas Not Your Mannequin is one of the heavier and more metal orientated tracks on the album. Novacrow showing the variety they have in spates, showcased again by the sharing of vocals that comes on the electrifying animation of It’s Alive (what a brilliant chorus) and the funky, tongue in cheek, blast that is Frankenfiiine. Hilariously fun stuff.

After such an immense track, it’s almost disconcerting to hear Novacrow take a momentary step back for All I See Is Her. Yet, it’s still a track with some infectious guitar rhythms and some extra heft to the percussion thanks to bongo work of Jack Batchelor.

Rocking and rolling, Novacrow continue to impress with the catchy Torn to Pieces. Following that slice of energy with the dramatic and melodic Day Break. Where heartfelt vocals punch right through to the soul. Before going hell for leather with the racing pace of the twisted Why Are My Dreams Always Trying to Kill Me? Wrapping up this stonking new release with My Virtues, a dark closer that is enhanced by the cello work of Robyn Wilkinson.

What a moment this is for Novacrow. They’ve come a very long way and this album is the encapsulation of their time and talents. A thrill ride from beginning to end, there seems to be no limit on what this band can achieve based off Look at Me Now.

Novacrow – Look at Me Now Full Track Listing:

1. Shapes in the Sky
2. Hollow Armour
3. Medusa Medusa
4. Hush (Featuring Joe Maryanji of Oceanis)
5. Play My Game
6. Not Your Mannequin
7. It’s Alive
8. Frankenfiiine
9. All I See Is Her (featuring Jack Batchelor)
10. Torn to Pieces
11. Day Break
12. Why Are My Dreams Always Trying to Kill Me?
13. My Virtues (featuring Robyn Wilkinson)

Links

Website | Album Pre-orders | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube