Novillero - Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives
by Dixie Ernill
published: 12 / 8 / 2005
Label:
Mint Records
Format: CD
intro
Quality indie guitar pop on second album from Canadian act Novillero, which curiously recalls the British C86 era of music
It's hard to imagine that Canada could be associated with quality British sounding indie guitar music, but following hot on the heels of The Dears (who have taken the UK by Storm over the last 12 months) come Winnipeg’s acclaimed sons Novillero, brandishing their great new long player. ‘Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives’ is actually the band’s second album. Arriving nearly 4 years after their debut album, 'The Brindleford Follies', it very nearly didn’t happen when the band all but imploded 3 years ago. Thankfully for us (the music loving public), they, however, slimmed down to a 4-piece, pulled together and crafted this fine new collection of songs. They take a good mix of classic indie-pop and add a healthy dash of Kinks to generate a sound more akin to 1986 England than 2005 Canada, but that’s okay because 1986 England was a vintage year for alternative pop music (think Housemartins, think Brilliant Corners, think Chesterfields and even think Smiths, though their influence is much harder to spot). Whilst there have been (and still are) many players in this sector of pop music, there is still room for Novillero, courtesy of the intelligent lyrics, liberal use of brass (the ace in most C86 bands’ pack) and an ear for a decent melody. Look no further than 'The Art Of Carrying On' or 'Abbey' for comprehensive proof. Elsewhere there is an occasional dart into Rialto territory (such as in 'Insomnia'), but it would be harsh to let that put you off. All in all a decent find this lot, so help yourself to a slice of their frothy pop and imagine Sarah Records are just setting up, Gary Lineker is notching a hat-trick against Poland in Mexico and it’s acceptable to wear cardigans, suede shoes and anoraks without being lynched! Enjoy.
Track Listing:-
1 Laissez-Faire System2 The Hypothesist
3 The Art Of Carrying On
4 Abbey
5 Morally Deficient Business
6 Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives
7 Gaining Ground / Losing Sight
8 Insomnia
9 Dean
10 Aptitude
11 Habit Over Heart
12 Let's Pull Over Here
reviews |
A Little Tradition (2009) |
Pleasingly eclectic third album from decade-old Canadian band Novillero, who could yet make waves overseas |
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Liam Gallagher and John Squire - Olympia Theatre, Dublin, 16/3/2024
Nico - Profile
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Doug Dillard Expedition - Live At The Hotel Fremont, Las Vegas, September 1970
bdrmm - Arts Centre, Norwich, 16/3/2024
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadKula Shaker - Natural Magick
Ian Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Ty Segall - Three Bells
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Dark Rainbow
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart