Four years in the making. That’s the headline DELLA NOVA want us to know before hitting play on their self-titled debut. And you feel it. There’s a palpable sense of care, sweat, and possibly a few broken strings that have gone into crafting this alternative rock meets hard rock behemoth. But does the weight of four years deliver the punch we’ve been promised? Yes, mostly—but there are a few cracks in the foundation.
Opening with the electrifying “Wachasay,” DELLA NOVA wastes no time slapping you in the face with crunchy guitars and a drumbeat that feels like a rallying cry. It’s an attention-grabber, no doubt, but the vocal delivery feels like it’s straddling a line between raw and slightly strained. There’s emotion—sure—but sometimes it feels like the emotion is fighting to get out rather than freely flowing.
Then comes “You Know,” a track dripping with angst but layered with enough melodic hooks to keep you coming back for more. It’s one of the more balanced moments on the record, with a chorus that demands to be shouted back at the band during a sweaty London gig. There’s a cleverness here, too, in the songwriting. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—it’s a solid wheel.
As the album progresses, it becomes clear that DELLA NOVA aren’t afraid to experiment with tone and pacing. “Peanut Butter Breath” 1 min of intriguing distortion that takes you right into “Gimme love”. It’s fun, and just enough to stand out. In contrast, “Erica” is another surprise, a solid drum solo suggests the band can shift gears when they want to.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Tracks like “We Need A Way Out” this is another musical build up to “Stand Up” wear their hearts on their sleeves, which is commendable
The closing stretch, with “Astral” This is what I want, a full song that does what it say on the tin, but here we go, it leads into “Welcome Home,” ANOTHER musical interlude.
“Rise With The Wind” is the standout here, 7 mins plus of rock, a soaring track that blends atmospheric guitar work with an anthemic drive. It’s cinematic, almost, and a perfect representation of the ambition DELLA NOVA clearly have in their arsenal.
So, what’s the verdict? DELLA NOVA’s self-titled debut is an album of highs, with a few moments that stumble. For me theres too many 1min interludes labeled as tracks. The ambition is evident, the passion unmistakable. This is a band with a lot to say and plenty of talent to say it—they just need to refine their delivery and embrace the full breadth of their potential.
For a project four years in the making, DELLA NOVA have done themselves proud. There’s plenty to like here, and with a little more polish and focus, they’re on the cusp of something. 🤘
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