Novillero - Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives

  by Dixie Ernill

published: 12 / 8 / 2005

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Review

It's hard to imagine that Canada could be associated with quality British sounding indie guitar music, but following hot on the heels of The Dears (who have taken the UK by Storm over the last 12 months) come Winnipeg’s acclaimed sons Novillero, brandishing their great new long player. ‘Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives’ is actually the band’s second album. Arriving nearly 4 years after their debut album, 'The Brindleford Follies', it very nearly didn’t happen when the band all but imploded 3 years ago. Thankfully for us (the music loving public), they, however, slimmed down to a 4-piece, pulled together and crafted this fine new collection of songs.       They take a good mix of classic indie-pop and add a healthy dash of Kinks to generate a sound more akin to 1986 England than 2005 Canada, but that’s okay because 1986 England was a vintage year for alternative pop music (think Housemartins, think Brilliant Corners, think Chesterfields and even think Smiths, though their influence is much harder to spot). Whilst there have been (and still are) many players in this sector of pop music, there is still room for Novillero, courtesy of the intelligent lyrics, liberal use of brass (the ace in most C86 bands’ pack) and an ear for a decent melody. Look no further than 'The Art Of Carrying On' or 'Abbey' for comprehensive proof. Elsewhere there is an occasional dart into Rialto territory (such as in 'Insomnia'), but it would be harsh to let that put you off.     All in all a decent find this lot, so help yourself to a slice of their frothy pop and imagine Sarah Records are just setting up, Gary Lineker is notching a hat-trick against Poland in Mexico and it’s acceptable to wear cardigans, suede shoes and anoraks without being lynched! Enjoy.

Track Listing:-

1 Laissez-Faire System
2 The Hypothesist
3 The Art Of Carrying On
4 Abbey
5 Morally Deficient Business
6 Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives
7 Gaining Ground / Losing Sight
8 Insomnia
9 Dean
10 Aptitude
11 Habit Over Heart
12 Let's Pull Over Here