On Oct. 7, the 19-year-old singer/producer NOVAA released her inventive debut EP Stolen Peaches. NOVAA’s strange yet intriguing sound is comparative to listening to Nora Jones in space.
“Rose” starts Stolen Peaches with a full vocal opening. “Rose” is a pretty piano ditty with seemingly under water electronic interjections. “Is It U” picks up with a quick kick. This song features soft, soulful vocals with reverberating distortion. NOVAA develops “Is It U” into a surprisingly intense breakdown with screaming vocals barely audible through the powerful electronic element. “Sex” ups the energy with a bouncy beat and flirty lyrics.
“Skinny Dipping” changes the tone of the album once again. It ironically has an oceanic feel, with vocals that hide behind the beat that drips into the ear. The sound of an organ rings in “Hands” setting the tone for an emotionally stripped down, poetic song.
In “Sleep” NOVAA takes on an optimistic indie pop rhythm with vocals and a nearly MGMT electronic display. “Hermit” creeps up with beat that wants to kidnap the listener. The arrangement slides you in and out of telling vocals and resonating electronic breaks. We are sprung into “Money” and quickly realize that NOVAA wants to add a dance element to the EP before it is over. “In Line” ends the album with an Egyptian beat and racy lyrics.
NOVAA’s sound is up to par with the best of the best in terms of women who write, record and produce vocals that sonically intertwine with electronic elements. Stolen Peaches is a well-crafted breakthrough EP that showcases the talent that NOVAA will hopefully continue to grace us with.