Album: Nova Twins - Parasites and Butterflies

For Nova Twins, the alternative rock/metal duo of Amy Love and Georgia South, the years since 2020 have been a non-stop journey of evolution. Exploding from the independent UK rock scene, to sharing the stage with headline names like Bring Me The Horizon; attention has come very quickly for the now twice BRIT nominated duo.

Their first two albums (2020’s Who Are The Girls, and 2022’s follow up Supernova) were taken completely in their stride, brimming with a confident, sickly-sweet concoction of electronic infused rock with hip-hop and industrial tones. They were both exciting offerings; a hint of rock and metal being completely rewritten. In short, South and Love hold much promise and anticipation as they enter the next chapter of their burgeoning career.

A hint can be seen when comparing the artwork of new album, Parasites & Butterflies, with that of Supernova. On the latter, South and Love stand powerful and proud, clad in futuristic chrome armour. They illustrate their empowering sound, as Supernova reflects their place in their career at the time – fighting for every inch and space in a still masculine dominated genre. Yet on Parasites & Butterflies, the two are peering into reflections of themselves, shod of their armour.

Though Parasites & Butterflies is still plenty full of their electro-rocking moments, it is also more inward and personal. Opener “Glory” may usher us in with a triumphant sound, but it is also erratic and paranoid. Or lead single “Monsters”, where Love sings “I’m not afraid of monsters, but I’m afraid of myself” in the chorus.

Another triumph is how Love and South have continued to expand their sound. This is achieved in part with the small list of collaborators, with the standout among them being Illan Rubin of, until recently, Nine Inch Nails fame. Rubin’s command of the drumkit brings a powerful, full depth to the duos trademark layered style.

In all, by placing themselves under the microscope, Nova Twins succeed in making sure they continue to stand out with their third album. While at the same time, their embrace of styles and different genres means with Parasites & Butterflies they continue to push the boundaries of rock even further.

• More New Music reviews on theartsdesk