EP Review: Songs From Home

Hailing from the Wellington region, NOVA is a unique retro, disco soul pop medley comprised of members, Bryn Van Vliet, Eliza Pickard and joined by other musicians, Phoebe Johnson, Conway Jeune and Luther Hunt.

Songs From Home is their second EP off the back of 2021 self-titled EP, and if you’re into tunes with layers, plenty of harmony, melody and fine musicianship, look no further.

This six track EP is a great pick n mix of NOVA showcasing what they do best. It almost feels like one over extended rehearsal jam with improvisation, on one take. It has depth, fluidity and great beats.

Coming in as their opener, Floating Away (previously released as a single) has a classic jazz, almost cross pollinating with a reggae tone that screams summer time festival. Complete with some great arrangements, if you close your eyes it very much has that quintessential tone.

Further down and fourth track in, See You Dancing, their newly released single is another great example of arrangement. Impeccably catchy, it has a solid groove to it that no surprises, makes you want to get up and boogie.

With no surprises here, NOVA saved the best till last with closing track, Sunrise, Sunset, Let’s Boogie! Aptly named, and if you liked See You Dancing, but weren’t compelled to get up and boogie, then this might just change your mind.

Don’t be fooled by the somewhat slower paced first verse. Once that chorus kicks in it has a nice consistent melody and beat. I definitely feel it’s worth a shimmy.

A nicely packaged and solid second EP from NOVA. If you’re wanting something more on the unique side but still gentle for the palette, go check them out!