ALBUM REVIEW: Parasites and Butterflies – Nova Twins
Ever since they released their debut album Who Are The Girls? back in 2020, NOVA TWINS have taken the world by storm. SUPERNOVA saw their rapid and astronomical rise to becoming one of Britain’s biggest and brightest alternative bands. The release of their third album; Parasites And Butterflies, sees them solidifying that status as they get bigger and better with a combination of punk, electronica and nu-metal, a combination that blends well together seeing the duo on the form of their lives and at the top of their game.
There’s no messing around with this album, as soon as Glory kicks it off, we know we’re in for a treat. It’s other worldly, grandiose and sees the duo aiming high with a belter of an opening track that combines layered vocals and a funky beat which lays the foundation of the track before upping the ante with its heavier outro. Piranha follows on as a fun, rough around the edges track with a bass riff that feels filthy and helps the song build up its nu-metal credentials throughout before once again exploding into a massive ending erupts into chaos. Monsters has the record continuing at 100mph with what is perhaps the greatest vocal display on Parasites And Butterflies. Lead vocalist Amy Love effortlessly switches between rap verses and enormous choruses showing her at the top of her range which adds to the excitement of the record.
Whilst the previous tracks flip flopped between rock and rap, Soprano sees the album deliver a wonderful track which focuses fully on the rap aspect of the record and focuses more on a funky sound instead of huge dirty riffs. It shows a testament to the skill of the duo as they continue to keep you guessing throughout the album as to which way it is going to go. The hip-hop style bleeds into the following track Drip which, whilst not as strong as its predecessors in quality, has a fun ENTER SHIKARI-esque bassline that will benefit more when in a live setting that will have the crowds moving with no issue. N.O.V.A follows on and quickly becomes the absolute highlight of the album and will likely become the highlight of the show when the twins tour the record. A catchy riff, great rap verses and an entertaining call and response will please any NOVA TWINS fan and will be stuck in their head long after listening. It’s full of attitude and sublime hooks that will warrant multiple listens. Sandman opts for a more drum and bass approach on the record which never once feels out of place whilst assaulting your ears, whilst it is a good track you just know it will benefit from a live setting more rather than a studio listen due to it having a bassline to die for as it bleeds into Hummingbird which gives our eardrums a good bit of respite by slowing down proceedings.
Parallel Universe keeps the high quality juggernaut of an album moving swiftly by giving N.O.V.A a run for its money for best song on the album. Being one of the more catchier tracks on the record, it is yet another one that sticks with you long after listening. It builds up anticipation beautifully before erupting into a dirty riff led chorus with great vocals that all have a wonderful bounce to it. Another one that will shine at live shows. For casual listeners, Hide & Seek will probably be one of the easier tracks to listen to on the record. The track itself is fine, but feels incredibly generic to what has come before it, being only a minor blip on what is an otherwise great record. The fast paced urgency returns once again for penultimate track Hurricane. A great track before the album bows out that brings back the frenetic energy that was seemingly and momentarily lost in the previous track, there’s no denying that the twins have a great ear for delivering perfect hooks that are funky and heavy and we’re absolutely here for it. Final track Black Roses sees the album bowing out in style. Powerful riffs, catchy hooks and a great chorus see the NOVA TWINS giving their all one last time and is a true driving force as the riff guides you along at break neck speed from beginning to end. It’s a true testament to the talent of the duo and is a wonderful portent for what is to come in the future.
Parasites And Butterflies is a great addition to the discography of NOVA TWINS. It’s a record packed full of tunes that don’t outstay their welcome and flow perfectly into one another, all a perfect length too that by the time each one has finished, you are begging for the next one to begin straight away. With the band on three for three, the only way for them now is up, and if they keep delivering tunes of this quality then they are destined for greatness. This is well and truly the NOVA TWINS world, and we’re just living in it.
Rating: 8/10
Parasites and Butterflies is out now via Marshall Records.
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