Novacrow
Look At Me Now
Alt. Rock, Hard Rock, Alt. Metal
Released: 30th September 2022
Self Released
Well, it’s certainly been a while since I’ve written about Novacrow. Since I first heard about them, I’ve always thought that their music is special. Their unique mix of alternative rock horror-core, industrial and stoner rock makes for an enjoyable listening experience. Basically, if you like Black Moth but think it could do with more Arthur Brown and Alice Cooper influences, then Novacrow might be a band you would want to listen to. Their new album Look At Me Now is an absolute hoot of a record with fun catchy hooks, playful lyricism and creative production choices that stand far above any previous releases. I can’t tell you how much I’ve been waiting for an album like this again. Music that takes extreme pleasure in being entertaining without being bogged down in its own themes or concepts. It’s like the musical version of a B-movie. Fun, engaging and memorable.
Genuinely, I think this album is in a whole other ballpark compared to previous albums. Novacrow has really done something with this album. The album hits all areas of the rock and metal genres and still comes out as one cohesive whole. I mean they’ve always been a playful band, dipping their toes into elements of horrorcore and coming up with weird concepts like “Fever Swamp” and “Fight The Horde”. Yet, this album feels like it stands heads and shoulders above them. For a starter, they’ve clearly tightened up their production. The instrumentation sounds absolutely amazing. All the musical elements blend so well together. The ominous guitars, the booming bass and drums and the vocals make such an impact. It all feels so glorious. Even the moments where the growled vocals come in, it feels like a natural extension of the songs. I especially like the electronic elements that twinkle and sparkle all over the tracks. Giving the music that literal extra character.
But Mick… What about the lyrics and songwriting? Yeah, they absolutely nail that too. You see Novacrow are an atmosphere-driven band. So, if the atmosphere feels like a bad Halloween dug trip, I think they would call that mission accomplished. I think the songs work in their own little bubble to as they have a really good knack for writing catchy hooks and riffs that will get stuck in your head. Songs like “Medusa Medusa” and “It’s Alive” are certainly strong contenders for the best tracks on the album if you’re looking for straight-up solid rock songs. However, they have made some more, shall we say, out-there songs that are just flat-out fascinating to listen to. “Frankenfiiine” fits this a lot more, with its 60s-inspired groove that feels like it’s out of the jam-band era.
Needless to say, I absolutely loved this album. It feels so good to have new music from Novacrow. Their brand of unique insanity is just what is needed in a sea of bands that are either trying too hard to sound like their idols or just sound like everything else on rock radio. Not them though, they are just being them. Which I really admire. So if you want something a little out there but still well within the confines of hard rock, this is an album worth checking out at least once.
9/10
Mick Birchall
Valkyrian Music 