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In 2015 there are more bands doing the dreamy-psychedelic-pop-with-a-side-of-shoegaze thing than there are clouds in the sky on a rainy spring afternoon. To break free of the pack, a band has to be either very distinctive or very good. The London-based Novella are both. While they touch on all the same inspirations and influences as everyone else -- Flying Nun, '90s bands like Pale Saints, the paisley underground, and, of course, the great psychedelic groups of the '60s -- they do a couple important things to differentiate themselves. They have strong female vocals, not wispy, girly ones. Hollie Warren is a powerful singer and she holds down the middle like a superhero while the guitars and keys swirl around her like unfettered electrical storms. Something that has as much going on as "Again, You Try Your Luck" or "Follow," with waves of sound and intricate guitar lines, could swamp a lesser singer. Warren sails through with nary a mark. On the quieter songs, the richness of her singing as it blends with the harmonies is pretty swoon-worthy.

Tracklist