Band: NOVEMBER
EP: Sad. Slow. Sexy
Release Date: November 22, 2022
Genre: Alternative
Ottawa-born, Montréal-based artist NOVEMBER (aka Grégory Yves) has unveiled the brand new EP, SAD.SLOW.SEXY., via Blood Moon Records.
Also, an award-nominated actor, he uses both disciplines to create stories through his self-written music over infectiously deep melodies. Using the perspective of a queer outsider, he delivers art to connect all communities through catharsis.
SAD.SLOW.SEXY comprises five tracks and one interlude, resulting in a listening experience of just over 20 minutes.
First up, the title track, “SAD.SLOW.SEXY.,” pulls you in with deep, powerful vocals, followed by a pop beat. From beginning to end, I found myself entranced. The lyrics, “Time isn’t real, But all of these heavy feelings they weigh, down my chest, Wish I could heal, I wish I could be more than this utter, loneliness,” summon such an emotional reaction, and the rest of the song does the same.
Next, the single “PILLOWTALK” gives off R&B vibes through the beat at the beginning of the track. As the song progresses, the vocals intertwine with the beat, resulting in a full, detailed sound. It’s easy to see why this track was chosen as a single, as it seems to fit in various genres and styles and evokes an upbeat, inviting energy. The lyrics, “Talk to me, Tell me bout your hopes and your dreams, Want to know, Talk to me, Baby you know I care, Tell me bout them nightmares,” have you singing along and leave you with an overwhelming feeling of hopefulness that there is someone in your life, or out in the world who wants to talk with you, who cares about you and who wants to be there for you.
“BEAST” brings forth a mellow beat, which creates an eerie yet pleasing vibe when added to the intense, deep-toned vocals. From the intro, “Fame and fortune, Pain and Glory, Let’s go exploring,” I was hooked. This track has a strong poetic vibe, giving it a sing-song quality while continuing the moody ferocity we’ve heard throughout the release.
The one-minute-long “PLUTO (interlude)” continues the haunting yet beautiful tone which is present throughout the entire EP.
Up next is “HAUNT,” which delivers a stellar contrast between the bright glistening beat and NOVEMBER’s rich vocals. “Won’t you, Leave me, All I crave is peace, I must confess, I am weak, My dreams are blue, You haunt my sleep” brought goosebumps to my arms. The track possesses an almost operatic tone, which simply appeals to me.
Closing out the release, “CAESAR COMPLEX” has a synth-driven beat and a busy background noise that combines together to create a unique-sounding track. Once you add in the familiar vocals, the intensity is heightened. The track could be labeled as controlled chaos, which isn’t a bad thing.
All in all, if you haven’t heard NOVEMBER yet, you should definitely check out this release and be taken in by his emotionally powerful lyrics and vocals.