Nova Twins’ New Album Review: “Parasites and Butterflies” Unleashed!

The 2022 album “Supernova” by Nova Twins not only garnered Brit Award nominations but also marked the first time a Black rock band was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. This recognition has brought significant attention to the duo, Amy Love and Georgia South, attracting admirers such as Rage Against the Machine and Elton John. Their latest, third album continues to showcase their unique blend of rock, metal, punk, and hip-hop, which has distinguished them in a predominantly male genre, while also exploring new pop-influenced terrains.

Collaborating with notable producer Rich Costey, known for his work with Foo Fighters and Charli XCX, and featuring talents like former Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin and Iranian vocalist Mahsa Vahdat through innovative sampling, the album achieves a grander, more anthem-like sound. Tracks like “Soprano” experiment with sweet harmonies and touches of semi-operatic pop, while “Hummingbird” presents a vibrant mix of layered vocals, unique guitar effects, and creative percussion, epitomizing their exploratory ethos with the lyric “Spread your wings.”

The lyrics on this album offer a deeper, more reflective look into personal and professional struggles. “Parallel Universe” reveals the mental strains of long-term industry involvement with lines like “You loathe all the things you hide within yourself,” sung by Love. The powerfully anthemic “Monsters” maintains a defiant stance against critics who doubt the place of young Black women in rock music, yet it introduces elements of personal fear: “I’m not afraid of monsters, but I’m afraid of myself.” Other tracks like “Piranha” continue to deliver hard-hitting riffs and robust rhythms, ensuring that long-time listeners will find the Nova Twins still rock as fiercely as ever, albeit with a fresh twist.