But if Novak can keep doing it, and doing it in their own individualistic way then more power to em. Mercury Rev. They met a few years ago at a Sonic Youth Gig where they decided to forge their own sonic future. In the interim they've released several singles and performed live with their own eccentric cool. However, they are still hoping to play the Leeds Festival in August and will be starting work on a new single and album over the summer. Not so much post-rock as post urban, Novak's debut LP reaches us just in time for spring, a refreshing sweep of clensing melodies, warm instrumentation, and a nice light funk beneath the pastoral swathes.
Elegance is the key here.
That's why 'Lord of the World' unfurls languidly, unhurriedly, with the considered hush that could be mistaken for bookishness, but which is, in fact an almost supernatural feel for correctness of mood. That's why previous sing 'Boy Scouts Of America' can afford to slowly eke out a melody the shape of a grin, and allow it to meander over its six minutes until it eases into its radiant climax without even breaking a sweat. Quite how they manage it all in the heart of spaghetti Junction is a miracle, but the idea of a school orchestra carving out symphonies to God with Can's rhythm section holding down the beat is your idea of a good night in, you might wanna give Novak a call. And get off at the next stop. And take a cab instead.