The Nova Kicks - Son of a stray

The Nova Kicks

Son of a stray
​self-released; 2020

3.9 out of 5

By My Nguyen

The Nova Kicks is a punk and alternative band from Denver, CO. They’ve been together for five years now and it wasn’t until last year that they generated more buzz revolving around the project. They recently got a regular rotation on 88.5 FM Latin alt and opened for Bass Drum of Death, an up-and-coming indie, garage rock band.

Their latest release Son of a Stray is a polished production filled with killer riffs, catchy melodies and vocal harmonies that will stay in your head long after the record has stopped spinning. Initially, the band had wanted to go the DIY route when executing this EP but decided that their time would be better spent in a professional studio. They contacted The spot studios and it really got them to the level of quality they wanted for their songs. On Son of a Stray, the band releases punk driven rock anthems with high-end amped energy. Their synergy on these fast and delectable gems displays the band’s rapport and chemistry. Fully synced to each other, the band jams out with top-notch delivery.

Son Of A Stray starts off with the catchy “Don’t Break My Head.” With a sunny vibe, the melodies that come in are vibrant and contagious. The vocals embrace the colorful energy displayed in the music. Bursting with full-on flavors, the tunes felt very dance-worthy. With a pop-oriented vibe, the band really rocks out on this energetic track. Guitar riffs sound out on the start of “Strange.” The melody-driven grooves felt more in the indie rock pockets. I loved the slow burning quality to the music.

On “King Of Panic,” revving guitars take on an airy path. The drums and rhythms are upbeat. I loved how catchy this track sounded. This felt like a great song to get moving to. A more heavy and aggressive sound feeds into the energy of the amped “The Phase.” The guitars and bass lines felt more hard-hitting than in the previous sections. I thought this was a great way to end the album. The band never lets up during the entire course of this EP. 

​My only complaint was that I wished there was more. With only four-tracks to the EP, it was just enough to get me really interested in the type of songs The Nova Kicks makes. While you could stay studio time really offered that sheen of professionalism to the album, these songs also went through a lot of trial and error while performing them live to get them to the stage the band wanted them to be at. You can say the DIY method just as much perfected these tracks as studio time most likely did. A good mixture of the raw energy of punk rock shows and the polished mobility of having these releases recorded in the studio, the band has made an album that will grow upon you the more you listen to it. The band is fast gathering steam with their music, and if this EP is any indicator, they are definitely going places with their sound. Be sure you have a listen today!

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