Novella

Novella creates a sound that feels like a bridge between the classic C86 jangle-pop era and the heavy, atmospheric textures of 90s shoegaze. Their music is built on a foundation of steady, hypnotic rhythms that allow guitars to weave in and out of the mix like sunlight through moving clouds. It is music that feels both grounded and weightless, capturing a specific kind of urban melancholy that is never quite depressing, but always deeply reflective.

What sets them apart is their vocal approach, where multiple voices blend into a single, ethereal texture that sits just slightly back in the mix. Instead of traditional lead-and-backing dynamics, they use harmony as a structural element, creating a wall of sound that feels intimate rather than aggressive. The interplay between the driving bass lines and the swirling, effects-laden guitars creates a sense of forward motion that keeps the dreamier elements from becoming static.

Start with the album 'Land' to hear their most cohesive statement. It captures their ability to write sharp, melodic hooks while still indulging in the long, psychedelic instrumental passages that define their live presence. It is the ideal soundtrack for those moments when you want the world to feel a little more cinematic and a little less sharp around the edges.