Children of Nova

Children of Nova: The Complexity of LightThe Complexity of Light (2009)
self-released

Reviewer Rating: 2.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: InaGreendaseBrian
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on February 8th 2011Children of Nova's The Complexity of Light is a lengthy EP that owes some debt to the early incarnations of the Mars Volta and Sparta, but the band is probably well aware of that. That doesn't necessarily render this EP an automatic listen for fans of either band, though. The opening title track .

Children of Nova's The Complexity of Light is a lengthy EP that owes some debt to the early incarnations of the Mars Volta and Sparta, but the band is probably well aware of that. That doesn't necessarily render this EP an automatic listen for fans of either band, though.

The opening title track at least proves that they're not necessarily aiming for the lightning-quick complexities of the former, or the more punk-rooted, aggressive tendencies of the latter. Instead, they pull TMV's demented melodies and falsetto reaches and Sparta's spaciness and effortless anthem abilities. What you get in turn is a pretty decent song with some questionably wanky, Coheed-ian moments that take the track beyond an otherwise effectively concise breach and into unnecessary lengthening.

With these half-dozen songs topping out at about 33 minutes, that's a theme that the EP unfortunately wallows in. "Aracaedion" repeats the trick of its preceding track, with some wailing vocals and guitars in the bridge; it's the same idea that didn't add much to the song the first time around, and it largely has the same lack of effect here. "Second Sight Blackout" opens up with some spacey, drifting guitars that work well, but the song gets a bit reliant on super corny, high-pitched backing vocals and guitar squalls.

The rest of the EP continues much in the same fashion, but feels middling and not as dynamic as it could be considering its often structureless positioning. This isn't bad, certainly, but it's got a few questionable elements and occasionally seems to go overboard. Stick to de-lousing in your comatorium, but keep a conscious eye on Children of Nova for now in case they blossom into something greater.

STREAM
The Complexity of Light
Arcaedion
The Fall of Aphonia
The Order

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

children (March 2, 2012)

How great is this?!?!

sahfriendly (February 13, 2011)

I'll start by saying that I think EP's really are not reviewable, it's the first release and bands are still learning their style. That being said, the quality alone of The Complexity of Light merits at least a 4 out of 5. This release marks a huge showing of potential. Yes, some songs are lengthy and a couple of them sound a little too similar, but this is an EP. Bands are still figuring it out and clearly this one has already figured out most of it. Is of this coming from a punk fan's point of view? Why would someone into punk music understand prog? The two styles are complete opposite of each other.

tamartunes (February 13, 2011)

I find it impossible to take this review seriously, given the potential bias of the source. And enough with the comparisons, either you sound to much like another band to be considered original or not enough like them to be considered good. There is no magical middle ground to escape the comparison criticism, even Elvis wasn't immune. And as far as being lengthy, maybe 33.2 minutes is by punk standards but in prog world it's a tease. As far as I'm concerned, Children of Nova has already blossomed and will continue to grow based on their music's own merit. This EP is above what Punknews thinks of it.

reggietherattler (February 11, 2011)

really? REALLY? 2.5 stars? this EP is by far and beyond one of the better, if not best, to come out in some time. you make no mention of the musicianship... none. all you do is compare the band to the mars volta, coheed, and sparta (3 bad ass bands). what do you think of the composition? the guitar work? the vocals? the bass? the drums? i mean... i think you must be smokin something haha. their songs are the top downloaded songs on rock band, they won the freakin san diego music awards but you dont seem to get it. it's unfortunate too... this EP IS SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!

musicshovel (February 9, 2011)

Con ftw

superskabro (February 8, 2011)

So let me get this straight: The "new" Dopamines' record was released LAST summer and these punknews punks STILL haven't posted one of the half-dozen submitted reviews? But they found time to post a review of THIS?!?!?! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!