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Novelists are by and far my favorite band to have come into the metal scene over the last several years. Their first record, "Souveniers" was nearly flawless, and still sits a top my list of albums that I listen to almost every week (I listen to /a lot/ of music). I was beyond excited for this new record, though I was a bit apprehensive, as I was worried Novelists by stumble in their sophomore album like many other bands. But fear not, ladies and gents, because "Noir" is as close to perfect as Novelists can get.
The first track, "L'appel Du Vide" starts off with mostly clean vocals, showing the listener exactly what they are about to jump in: a heavy, melodic and vastly unique array of songs, that span all sorts of styles. "Monochrome" is perhaps the best example of this, as a beautiful ballad that not only is one of the best songs on the record, but is simply lovely. The cleans are clear and powerful, the chords a perfect contrast to the saxophone that comes in to the song, which helps to give it a "jazz" vibe. But the slow side of Novelists takes a break after that, when "Under Different Welkins" comes thundering in with one of their tastiest riffs yet, followed by a technically impressive and progressive song. This is easily my favorite song on the record, and one of their best in general.
"Les Nuits Noires" injects the album with that familiar djent-like heaviness that was prevalent in "Souvenirs", bringing the powerful uncleans in tandem with a crushing series of riffs, licks and brutal drum work. "Grey Souls" builds off of a groove-metal riff that makes it nearly impossible not to headbang too, and "Bitter End" continues this, while establishing a very catchy, melodic chorus. "Stranger Self" starts to bring back some slower elements in, with clean sections interwoven throughout the song with the piano coming in the background. It also includes a brief rap solo, which at first was quite jarring for me (I don't listen to rap/hip-hop) but I have since gotten used to it and find it fits into the song well. "The Light, the Fire" was also one of the singles for this album, and its easy to see why. It establishes a catchy riff early on, and shifts back and forth between a slow build up before blowing up in the chorus.
"Joie De Vivre" is one of my other favorites from the record, which maintains the melodic riffing established earlier on. The song's guest artists help lift the song above others, including the chorus by Jesse Cash (Erra's clean vocalist). "Lead the Light" brings the album back down with its lovely clean intro, before kicking back into familiar gear. "A Travers Le Miroir" is the perfect penultimate song, using a calming atmospheric effect to lull the listener to a calm, before a very blue-inspired solo moves in. The final track of the album, "Heal the Wound" wraps the album up by showcasing everything that Novelists can do: an incredibly tasty riff, supplemented by a back and forth of clean and unclean vocals. It carries such a positive vibe with it, and lets you finish the album feeling optimistic, the lyrics pushing you forward.
Simply put, "Noir" is incredible. The music beautiful and crushing, lyrics honest and real, their use of techincal guitar leads, original use of piano, saxaphone and other instruments helps to highlight Novelist's strengths, and what sets them a part from other bands in the genre. I have no idea how big these guys are over seas (they're from Paris) but if they're still on the rise, like over here in the States, I think this album is going to push them to new heights. But don't take my word for it, go buy the record! Support the band, listen to the music and go see these guys if you can!
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Albert Ross
Brilliant mix of metal/prog and all points in between
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2018
