Over the years, the rock community has become more and more divisive with gatekeepers and elitists shunning whoever challenges the boundaries of the genre. The UK’s Nova Twins turn a blind eye to this part of the scene, unapologetically embracing all of their quirks with no regard for the haters. With their adamant no-rules approach and contagiously iron-willed personalities, vocalist and guitarist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South break the musical mold with their second album Supernova (Marshall Records).
The fifty-four-second intro ‘Power’ serves as a solid indicator of the high-octane electro-rock journey that follows. It’s a muddled fusion of warping effects, indiscernible voices, and a guitar melody that feels playful yet eerie once the vocals start singing along. It’s the perfect setup for fiery opener ‘Antagonist’, a defiant outlook on being villainized due to background and personal values. Nova Twins turn the tables on every closed mindset in the music industry by owning everything that makes them different from your average alternative rock group, refusing to be victims of their own existence.
‘Cleopatra’ is an anthem of confidence inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and the feeling of empowerment the duo gained from it as mixed-race women. There is an unshakeable self-assertion blazing through every line that doubles each time the chorus strikes, blasting the most headstrong sing-along imaginable. This boldness is present no matter what the subject of lyrics is, sustaining for the sexual innuendos of ‘Puzzles’ and even the morbid ‘A Dark Place For Somewhere Beautiful’.
A recurring theme that gives the record much of its edge is the tonally innovative beats that explode into fuzz-fueled guitars. Tracks like ‘K.M.B.’, ‘Toolbox’ and ‘Choose Your Fighter’ utilize sounds from water dripping and finger snaps to bitcrushers and industrial effects, creating rhythmically mesmeric patterns that lead into massive rock choruses. What makes this facet even more compelling are Love’s wide-ranging vocal abilities that draw influence from hip-hop, hard rock and pop, and are all used selectively to make each instrumental stand out as much as possible.
Once dismissed as a couple of girls in flashy outfits, Nova Twins are rising as torchbearers for the future of rock music, flawlessly executing elements no one would’ve ever expected to hear from the style ten years ago. Though some may still not approve, that has never stopped them from doing what they want before – and Supernova is still just the beginning for them.
Buy the album here: https://novatwins.lnk.to/Supernova
8 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY