Novelists enters a new era.
Following their last EP last year, Camille Contreras (vocals), Pierre Danel (guitar), Florestan Durand (guitar), Amael Durand (drums) and Nicolas Delestrade (bass) join ACKOR Music for the release of Coda, the band’s fifth album.
Say My Name kicks things off with a heady modern sound, thanks in particular to the guitars, but it doesn’t take long for the track to slow down and let Camille use her soothing clean voice. The choruses’ groove remains perfect to exploit live, especially when the screams come into play, responding to the lively harmonics, then it’s with the eponymous track CODA that the band continues its assault, bringing ever more driving riffs and violence to its rhythm. The samples and mix also contribute to this danceable atmosphere, as on the break before a surprising final, unlike All For Nothing, which initially offers much softer tones, but whose contrast with the saturated parts will be intense. Maldición de la Bruja, a surprising composition that ends up being very brutal, takes us back to a different vocal approach between Spanish and English, then In Heaven allows us to breathe for a while, but the track remains quite ethereal, featuring a rather ethereal solo before fading out gently. The energy returns on Adam and Eve, where whispered male vocals and assertive screams meet, allowing the guitars to express themselves freely. Then Sleepless Nights reaches us with a touch of Prog, developing its intriguing touch while navigating between tranquility and aggression. The soaring atmosphere returns on 78 rue… with its steamy Trip-Hop influences, before CRC quickly turns belligerent and assumes its catchy Djent roots, usually very effective on stage. The album reaches its final moments with K.O., the ultimate composition where the guitars return to their wrought, aerial patterns, while the vocalist lets loose, alternating her vocals as she pleases.
Novelists confirms that, despite the changes, the band is continuing in the same direction, using its many influences to ensure that the tracks follow one another, but don’t sound the same. They’ll soon be hitting the festival circuit to defend CODA!
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