Nova-Spes – WorldWideWar Zone (CD Album – ScentAir Records)

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, body-pop.

Background/Info: Based in Leipzig (Germany) Nova-Spes has been active since 1999. Their official releases were all released on Danse Macabre, but four years after their previous album (cf. “Black Sheep On White Fields”) their signed to the Russian label ScentAir Records.

Content: This new work reveals a delicate writing, which is sometimes joined by a melancholic flavor. Vocals are somewhat inhibited on the ‘softer’ cuts. But Nova-Spes also reveals a ‘harder’ side featuring an EBM touch on top and here the vocals are harsher as well. Both influences come together on “This Is Not A Lovesong” where you also will notice some duality between quiet and evasive female backings and the heavier male vocals.

+ + + : Nova-Spes already released noticeable works, but this new production shows an interesting evolution in sound and maturity. I personally prefer the ‘harder’ cuts, but the delicacy running through the other tracks is also worthy of examination. The album is diversified and styled!

– – – : “WorldWideWar Zone” is missing a hit, the kind of song that could be released as EP-title track and put dancefloors on fire. It’s maybe not the main goal of the band, but it’s often important to get a bit more in the spotlights.

Conclusion: “WorldWideWar Zone” is a pleasant listening featuring multiple cool songs, but I’m still convinced there’s more in this band than what came out thus far.

Best songs: “I Hate U I Love U”, “This Is Not A Lovesong”, “Pray”, “Sun And Rain”.

Rate: (7).

Artist:www.nova-spes.com / www.facebook.com/novaspesband

Label:www.scent-air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords

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