Nova Twins once again merge electronica, industrial, grunge, and elements of metalcore, adding vibrant melodies and raw energy to every track on their latest LP, ‘Parasites & Butterflies’. Jumping between these seemingly diverse components and driven solely by what sounds appealing, ‘Parallel Universe’ and ‘Sandman’ demonstrate the lengths Nova Twins will go to in their quest for innovative sound. ‘Hummingbird’ brings their unique vision to life with its relaxed pace before exploding with vocals that stretch any singer’s limits. The following tracks ‘Hide & Seek’, ‘Hurricane’, and ‘Black Roses’ represent the metalcore at the core of Nova Twins’ artistry, focusing and refining their style in a way that can feel somewhat monotonous. This, alongside other slightly repetitive sections of the album (like ‘Piranha’, ‘Monsters’, and ‘Drip’), can occasionally disrupt the immersive experience created by standout tracks such as the electro-industrial rap piece ‘Soprano’ or the adventurous opener ‘Glory’. However, it’s not entirely fair to judge what Nova Twins have accomplished on ‘Parasites & Butterflies’ against their previous works. The experimentation is indeed present, but this album sees Nova Twins pushing their boundaries even further, incorporating a broader range of influences and exploring what fits. While standout tracks like ‘Soprano’, ‘Glory’, ‘Sandman’, and ‘Hummingbird’ are captivating highlights, some songs here feel less dynamic. Nonetheless, the Nova Twins’ universe continues to shine brightly.
Challenging themselves further, adding even more, and trying everything to determine what works.