Tele Novella drapes itself in aesthetic, their debut LP House of Souls swooning with a throwback Sixties psych-pop that nevertheless sounds fresh and authentic. Beginning with opener “Sacramento,” the Austin quartet paints a world that’s eerie, intoxicating, and both visually and sonically vibrant. Former Voxtrot rhythm section Jason Chronis and Matt Simon hold down a macabre low end as Natalie Ribbons’ breathless and reverbed vocals drift dreamy melodies against Sarah La Puerta’s kaleidoscopic keyboards. The resultant gypsy-pop floats “Waiting on an Answer” lightly and explodes into a Belle & Sebastian punch on lead single “Heavy Balloon.” Ribbons’ voice tinges an underlying mixture of delight and anxiety, an observational awe and existential urgency that unfolds somewhere between Neko Case and Nancy Sinatra. Warping arrangements keep songs like “Bull Sees Red” and “Fruits of Misery” winding with mystery. The dark burn in “Dead Canary” and surf rock riff and yelp on “Even Steven” lay out a moody swagger contrasting the crooning harmonies of “The Snake That Swallowed the Elephant.” Tele Novella spin their own bizarre world, but House of Souls beckons a unique pop glow.

****

This article appears in November 18 • 2016.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.