Nova Twins Expand Horizons with Anthemic, Introspective Third Album
Nova Twins, the genre-defying duo of Amy Love and Georgia South, make a bold statement with their third full-length album, Parasites & Butterflies, released today. The record builds on the groundbreaking success of their 2022 album Supernova, which earned them Brit Award nominations and a place in history as the first Black rock band shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.
A Larger, More Anthemic Sound
Produced by Rich Costey, known for his work with Foo Fighters and Charli XCX, the album broadens their sonic palette with contributions from Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails) and a unique sample from Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat. The result: a grander, more anthemic sound that ventures into unexpected territories. Highlights like Soprano blend sugary harmonies with semi-operatic pop, while Hummingbird layers inventive percussion and processed guitar into a kaleidoscope of adventurous sound.
Lyrical Honesty Meets Fierce Energy
Lyrically, the album offers surprising vulnerability alongside its trademark riff-driven intensity. Parallel Universe touches on the mental toll of constant touring, “You loathe all the things you hide within yourself,” sings Love, while Monsters pairs bold defiance with emotional depth: “I’m not afraid of monsters, but I’m afraid of myself.”
Critical Response
The Guardian awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, praising its bold fusion of introspection and bombast.
Kerrang! also scored it 4 out of 5, highlighting its blend of rage, swagger, and divine feminine energy in tracks like Glory, Soprano, and Drip.
Hot Press gave it a 7/10, calling it “fearless and ferocious”, though noting that the album front-loads strongly and loses some momentum near the end.
Northern Transmissions was more critical, scoring it 5.5/10, citing an over-polished production and lack of substantial progression from previous albums.
LouderSound praised the emotional arc, from vulnerability to rage, and highlighted Amy Love’s expanded vocal versatility, especially on Hummingbird and Monsters.
Silent Radio commended the album’s raw energy and jagged edges, with Piranha, Parallel Universe, and Hummingbird standing out for their bold creativity.