BLINK

NOVA should be a band I enjoy, because of their style of music and the gifted performers but...they do not click with me. It just seems like there's something on each album that turns me off. This their debut would be four stars if it was all-instrumental but it's not, and yes the vocals are a big negative for me. Why do Italian bands want to sing in English ? Well in this case it wouldn't matter I just don't like his vocal style.

"Tailor Made" opens with strummed guitar then it kicks in quickly with a full sound including sax then vocals. A guitar outburst 1 1/2 minutes in. I don't like this track at all mainly because of the vocals. "Something Inside Keeps You Down" opens with mournful sax until almost spoken vocals arrive before 2 minutes. Drums and bass a minute later.This is better. It's pretty intense 5 minutes in. Great sound ! "Nova" opens with guitar as drums, sax and a full sound join in.The guitar is back out front 2 minutes in.

"Used To Be Easy" is mellow with flute to start along with cymbals and guitar.Vocals before a minute followed by sax. It picks up 2 1/2 minutes in. I really like the drumming here but not the vocals. Big finish. "Toy" is my favourite.This is a funky number with sax blasting over top.The guitar replaces the sax before 3 minutes. An excellent instrumental. "Stroll On" kicks in before a minute. The drumming is killer. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in.The guitar solo after 3 minutes is incredible.The man can play with speed if he wants to. Vocals are back 4 1/2 minutes in. Guitar is back 6 1/2 minutes in this time with a laid back solo. Sax ends it.

A good album no doubt about it but not worth 4 stars in my book thanks to the vocals.