November Girl is a newer band that may not be all too well known just yet… but should be well on their way. Based out of New York City, this four-piece act consists of Willa Rudolph (singer/guitar), Billy Flanagan (lead guitar), Dylan Davis (bass), along with Philip Brand (drums), who came together three years ago who have since steadily built a refined sound. Rooted in Alternative Rock, there are many influences that intertwine within November Girl’s style, but inevitably they honed in on the songwriting, which is always the most important aspect. Putting out several standalone singles between 2020 and 2023, now in 2024, they make a bold step forward with the release of their first ever EP.
Calling the six-song collection Heart Prayer, it arrived as an independent release on Friday, September 6th digitally, and can be streamed at places such as Spotify. This in mind, the band themselves hosted an EP release show on Saturday, September 7th on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Excited for everyone to hear the work they put into the music; it is clear there certainly was a lot of passion interjected into these songs.
As mentioned, a six song EP, preceding it was the pre-released single “Spiders” (which had the music video premiere via Cryptic Rock back on June 28th). This track also kicks off the Heart Prayer, and it is a perfect introduction with a dreamy Alternative Rock sound. Luring you in, the tone of the bass, guitar and melodies are on the perfect wave-length to compliment Rudolph’s haunting voice. From here, the EP plays out smoothly with each song being carefully crafted in terms of the tone, pace, and mood.
Quite polished in the respect that November Girl sounds synchronized and mature, some of the most addictive listens here include, of course, “Spiders,” but also “Mercy,” “Done,” as well as “Clover.” Each of these, along with the entire EP, have a keen sense of how the melody drives the song, and Rudolph’s laid-back vocal style is an attractive seducer that leads you into the stories being told. That being said, the lyrics seem to come from a very personal place that reflects a time and place in the singer’s life, however, they can still be universal to anyone navigating their way through everything.
Overall, November Girl is a very promising new band that should appeal to fans of Alternative Rock circa ‘90s style. The songs they showcase on Heart Prayer have an ambience, a self-awareness, and aesthetic that does not alienate you, but instead invites you into a warm, comfortable place. If you dig acts like Garbage, Veruca Salt, Metric, or even Slowdive, you will love November Girl. That is why Cryptic Rock is eager to hear more, giving Heart Prayer 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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