On their 2012 debut LP Here Comes Dreamboat, this Philadelphia quartet served up a distinctive blend of light pop, improvisational jazz/R&B, and angular art-rock. Just as that album built upon their 2011 Spooky Tooth EP, this follow-up four-songer further refines their formula. In an Impose interview, the band said they were “moving away from off-kilter,” and incorporating more repetition and loops. By taking this approach, and by more closely melding their instrumentation and vocals, Ova Nova’s songs feel more hypnotic, fluid, and melodic. Keyboardist Jon Coyle’s delivery is soulful, sinuous, and scat-like (but with real, understandable words!), while his twin brother bassist Chris counters and complements him with his own soothing backing trills.
Percussionist Matt Scarano plays “big” and “little” drums (Jon handled the smaller kit on Dreamboat); when he’s not tenderly thumping the skins, Scarano’s clattering stickwork sounds like he’s tapping the end of a table. His lithe beats, Coyle’s twinkly keys, and Pat Lamborn’s alternately squiggly and shimmery guitar patterns all play off each other friskily, while the Coyles’ voices instinctively intermingle. Indeed, the members are so in sync and cohesive, it’s difficult to tell whether the playing is driving the singing, or vice-versa. But whichever it is, one thing’s for certain: each of these four tunes will set your head bobbing, fingers snapping, and toes tapping. (sonstep.com)
