progressive rock
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I'm always a bit weary towards progressive rock and metal music. Too often, this genre becomes unnecessarily complicated and somewhat nerve wrecking. I don't really have a problem with unexpected hooks and surprising elements but sometimes progressive metal just turns into an egotistical showcase for technically gifted artists who know way too little about songwriting. It's the metal version of free jazz, another genre that I reluctantly check out once in a while.
Anyway, enough with the whining about music, let's prove the exact opposite. Allow me to present Novallo, a quartet from Columbus, Ohio (USA). They too came up with something complex with all the aspects I complained about in the opening paragraph but they know a think or two about songwriting. In fact, 'Give Gravity A Chance' is an excellent rock song, blending progressive rock with post-rock and brilliant vocals.
And that's exactly where Novallo excels. Although their music isn't easy-listening rock, they certainly know how to keep things interesting. Furthermore, nothing seems prohibited. Besides the traditional rock setting of guitars, bass and drums, there's plenty of room to play with piano and even electronics. Hell, there seem to be pop, IDM and dubstep influences present in 'I Am'. Yes, they blended several genres I'm not fond of and turned the whole into something that fascinates me.
Vocals too range from poppy verses to post-metal screams. Daft Punk and Michael Jackson seem to have had their influence on Novallo, just as much as Fear Factory ('Sideways Bird' brings on some industrial elements), Tool or Opeth. Even something calls 8-bit or Nintento-core seems to be present in the wicked song 'White Phoenix', judging from the hyperactive electronics.
My advice, open your mind and check this out. There might be a possibility that you won't like this because tastes tend to differ but, on the other hand, you just might discover something unimaginable with this bizarre album. I know I did and I'm glad I gave this album a shot instead of vertically classifying it as mere progressive metal.
Serge
Anyway, enough with the whining about music, let's prove the exact opposite. Allow me to present Novallo, a quartet from Columbus, Ohio (USA). They too came up with something complex with all the aspects I complained about in the opening paragraph but they know a think or two about songwriting. In fact, 'Give Gravity A Chance' is an excellent rock song, blending progressive rock with post-rock and brilliant vocals.
And that's exactly where Novallo excels. Although their music isn't easy-listening rock, they certainly know how to keep things interesting. Furthermore, nothing seems prohibited. Besides the traditional rock setting of guitars, bass and drums, there's plenty of room to play with piano and even electronics. Hell, there seem to be pop, IDM and dubstep influences present in 'I Am'. Yes, they blended several genres I'm not fond of and turned the whole into something that fascinates me.
Vocals too range from poppy verses to post-metal screams. Daft Punk and Michael Jackson seem to have had their influence on Novallo, just as much as Fear Factory ('Sideways Bird' brings on some industrial elements), Tool or Opeth. Even something calls 8-bit or Nintento-core seems to be present in the wicked song 'White Phoenix', judging from the hyperactive electronics.
My advice, open your mind and check this out. There might be a possibility that you won't like this because tastes tend to differ but, on the other hand, you just might discover something unimaginable with this bizarre album. I know I did and I'm glad I gave this album a shot instead of vertically classifying it as mere progressive metal.
Serge
