Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
If there was an award for ergonomic design, of spacious interlude and a towering view across the palatial and regal within music, then it could be argued that Jason Wagers and his music under the banner of Nova Flares would surely win hands down. The setting of the Progressive undertones flowing freely with the textured might of instrumental harmony always deserves such freedom to explore, it is after all the only healthy option, the only sensible choice in which to stand.
The project is one that lights up the room, it goes beyond the idea of shoe gazing, the wistful approach to enjoyment as you allow the long succulent notes to draw you in, the playful and the earnestness of the music moved like chess pieces round a board, seeking advantage, dominating the thoughts of the listener and like a flare, illuminating the area around the board to the point where all uncertain shadows disappear.
The Nova Flares is not only spacious, it is cinematic, it is the enlightenment felt when films started taking scores seriously and imploring the audience to do the same, it is a clarification and clarification and insight wrapped up tight but slowly unravelled to release energy and radiance on the day.
In the tracks Summer Colors, Careless Caress, Gut Splinter, Krokodil Tears, Ghost Only Wishes, the luxury of initial thoughtful turmoil gives way to ease, of a classic intelligence, of the immensity of a sunburst giving way to harmony and the dance of the solar system, for in music of any kind, commotion is a beautiful part of love and respect, it is the edge that makes any endeavour admired and in The Nova Flares, that respect is undaunted.
The Nova Flares debut E.P. will be released on June 1st 2018.
Ian D. Hall