ALBUM REVIEW: C’est La Vie – Novelists FR

French outfit NOVELISTS FR have suffered from a lengthy stint of being criminally underrated, but hopefully 2020 is the year that things will begin to change. Set to return with their third full length C’est La Vie, their consistency is difficult to ignore, especially when the end result is so achingly enjoyable. The Parisians have long since blended their progressive metalcore sound with a vivacious bounce, leaning towards an air of melodocism as opposed to being tempted by the crushing heaviness we hear from a lot of bands. 

It is a formula that has served them well, from their debut Souvenirs to 2017’s Noir, two twisting tales that drip with emotive execution and forward-thinking charm. Translating this to the live circuit is the final puzzle piece, with NOVELISTS FR becoming as equally reputable onstage as on record. They very much feel like a bloated star on the brink of exploding into the brilliant light of a supernova, and C’est La Vie seems like exactly the kind of fuse required for that to happen.

The record kicks off with Somebody Else via a swathe of noodly guitar that drifts into a friendly dose of math-rock, before the competent vocals of Matt Gelsomino kick in and fill the track with life. It is an immediate continuation of their work on Noir and the finish is as equally seamless as an album held in high regard. Excellent production allows detailed guitar work to shine through, and we are led into the second track Deep Blue with a sense of optimism. Another juddery math riff opens up affairs, and guitar continues to dart around the track, softly mimicking the likes of PERIPHERY in technical approach while retaining the stereotypically ‘NOVELISTS FR‘ touch of melody.

Lilly is the band’s first chance to mix up affairs, touching on a rapped vocal early on before leading into one of the album’s more reserved tracks. Matt‘s ever improving clean vocal soothes, before his grating screams return to punctuate delicate and cathartic subject matter. It serves a nice balance against faster paced tracks, adding another dimension to NOVELISTS FR‘s musical architecture. As if to prove that point, Modern Slave immediately feels like a flat palm to the face, kicking in with a stinging attack of demonic vocals and a crushing metallic onslaught. Drums pound, the bassline cuts with a satisfying twang, and those guitars return with a ruthless vengeance. This track is NOVELISTS FR at their darkest. Until around the two and a half minute mark, when it suddenly isn’t. Instantly tipping the scales back to melody, the ease in which this band change tact is admirable. Throw in a tasty guitar solo for good measure, and this is easily one of the album’s highlights.

Much like we’ve already heard on the album, the title track floats by like a serene tide, and Head Rush begins with another riff destined to be lodged in our heads for days. Like fine woodwork, each detail is evidently carved and captures the emotion of the track perfectly. The same can be said of Kings Of Ignorance, which is executed in a slightly heavier manner, before Rain takes over in a whirlwind of six-string mastery. Here the guitar work of Florestan Durand impresses more than ever. Detailed tech riffs and hooks fly by in prolific fashion, and return with a notable crunch when called upon.

As Human Condition concludes the album, we can reflect on a record that takes the very essence of the NOVELISTS FR sound and attempts to drag it forwards into a profound future. Largely similar in style to their previous work, they have shown that there is still plenty more in their locker, and have been able to build upon a solid proven formula. 2020 will likely see the Frenchmen continue to thrive. God knows they deserve the space to grow.

Rating: 8/10

C’est La Vie is set for release on January 24th via Arising Empire.

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