| Musical Style: Metal/Hard Rock | Produced By: Jimmy P. Brown II |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2022 | Artist Website: Jimmy P. Brown II |
| Tracks: 5 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 27:17 |
Novella 1, the independent sophomore solo EP from vocalist and guitarist Jimmy P. Brown II, shares a similar musical platform as his 2018 Retroactive Records debut solo offering Eraserhead. Both albums trace their lineage to the ‘creative years’ of artists main band Deliverance, a period in which the group embarked on a four album run to include the technical metal of Stay Of Execution (1992), progressive leanings to Learn (1993), richly textured River Disturbance (1994) and conceptual work Camelot In Smithereens (1995). Please note that in no way am I implying that the melodic thrash and speed metal to iconic inaugural albums Deliverance (1989) and Weapons Of Our Warfare (1990) is any less creative but rather different.
That said, little doubt is left as to how the 90% Angelic Warlord reviewed Eraserhead picks up where the ‘creative years’ leaves off, with a sound that (as noted in the artists press material) ‘is full on heavy, metal, progressive, dark, and ultra creative but not thrash or speed metal’. An analogous designation applies to Novella 1 from manifesting a musical heading ‘dripping with melody, progression, lyrical depth and vitality ’(again, referencing artists press material). Hence, manner in which Novella 1 impresses this reviewer as technical at times, heavy as expected and progressive on occasion but not necessarily concept based, albeit to be completely fair and as its title implies Novella 1 is ‘the first part of a four part EP series’ (once more quoting the artist).
“The Warm Up” gets the first part of said four going with open air guitar giving way to Manny Morales’s fixed in place bass line as the song grooves in mid-paced fashion with guitars taking a hard rock bent as opposed to metal. I see it fitting in nicely on Camelot In Smithereens as a result. Vocally, artist shines with his signature melancholic vocal style to walk a fine line between that of David Bowie and Eric Clayton (Savior Machine).
“My Time” takes form of a darkly woven hard rock semi ballad. Song maneuvers its span drifting between two opposing lines of thought, with first calm and reflective to an atmospheric reticence, and second revealing an elevated tempo in which guitars make a pronounced statement over Jim Chaffin’s militant drums. Albums crystalline production allows Larry Farkas’ fluid lead guitar to cleanly rise above the mix.
EP takes a Learn like progressive turn on the seven minute “Have You Ever”. The song, however, does not approach Learn like heaviness as a laid back acoustic rocker, wistfully drifting with airy keyboards decorating the backdrop and electric guitar flowing in and out of the mix to emanate a poignant melody. The heavier rocking guitars that cut in for the closing instrumental minutes provide a cool Southern rock effect.
“Stranger Than Fiction” presents as albums heaviest with its front to back doom metal riffs. It slogs through its verse sections to travailing guitar and bass interplay pointing to the bluesy, the nonchalant allure only giving way as impetus projects for the rollicking refrain of a plainspoken form. Separating in the process is how the song pursues a musical heading rarely if ever seen from Brown.
Closing things is David Bowie cover “Warszawa”, which made its initial appearance on Bowie’s 1977 release Low. In its original from “Warszawa” is a Tangerine Dream inspired keyboards driven (mostly) instrumental; artist, however, maintains the instrumental leaning but replaces majority of the keyboards with guitars and bass. Gist is a near mesmerizing work to see Brown and Farkas shine with their atmospheric guitar harmonies and melodies while staying true to the songs experimental essence. I particularly take to the baritone, lower register vocals appearance over the final two minutes. Also of note, this is artist’s second Bowie cover, noting “Beauty & The Beast” from Camelot In Smithereens.
It would not be out of line to suggest Novella 1 is a musical extension to the Eraserhead or at the very least aligns with the Deliverance ‘creative years’. Either way, the musical quality maintains in that the EP presents with five equally good songs in which each stands on its own, while exploring musical territory not always covered by the artist. Performance wise Brown and cohorts Farkas, Morales and Chaffin remain in fine form to bring out the best in the quality material. Production and packaging are in line. If a fan of Eraserhead or the Deliverance ‘creative years’ you can do no wrong with Novella 1. I look forward to subsequent chapters in the series.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “The Warm Up” (3:52), “My Time” (5:22), “Have You Ever” (6:51), “Stranger Than Fiction” (4:46), “Warszawa” (6:26)
Musicians
Jimmy P. Brown II - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards & Percussion
Larry Farkas - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Manny Morales - Bass
Jim Chaffin - Drums
