Novakill – Head On (Digital EP – RepoRecords)
Genre/Influences: EBM.
Background/Info: The Australian duo Novakill struck back earlier this year with their new album “Danger”, which also was the first opus in 7 years. The title song of this EP was originally released on the album. Next to the album version, this EP reveals a ‘reconstructed’ version and two new songs.
Content: “Head On” wasn’t my personal favorite song on the album although it remains a cool EBM song recovered with dark, buzzing synths and typical ‘body-music vibes’. I don’t notice that much differences between the original- and alternative mix, which both remind me of the 90s EBM spirit.
The new songs are nothing more than B-side cuts. We first get a more electro-industrial experiment while the other cut is more moody and revealing dark string parts and a few spoken samplings. Both cuts are instrumentals.
+ + + : Novakill is not exactly the most famous and popular EBM name, but that’s maybe because they aren’t that known in Europe. They however deal with a somewhat ‘old-styled’ inspiration resulting in an efficient sound. “Head On” is a kicking song in the genre. I especially like the dark element running through their work.
– – – : You can always discuss the choice of a title song and speaking for myself I remember more efficient album songs then “Head On”. I’m not disappointed with this track, but I especially expected a bit more out of the new songs, which clearly sounds like release-fillers. Remixes by other groups would have been a better option here.
Conclusion: This EP features a cool title song, but unfortunately less interesting B-side cuts. If you don’t know the last album of Novakill, the song “Head On” will maybe convince you to put your hands on it.
Best songs: “Head On”.
Rate: (6½).
Band: www.novakill.com / www.facebook.com/NOVAkILL-129543637093255
Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo–Records/119590774857404
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
