I distinctly remember my first encounter with Novelist. It was towards the end of 2005, Kayo Dot was on a national tour supporting the upcoming release of Dowsing Anemone with Copper Tongue, and an eager journalist notices an unknown "Novelist" opening for the Boston band in Buffalo. Further inspection revealed little, the band had no website, a bare Myspace, and looked to have only recently formed. Still, the name left an impression that would beckon me back years later...

Now primed to release its debut album, Drosera, Novelist reveals itself as a improvisational/experimental duo, one part guitarist Chase Middaugh, and one part  drummer Ryan McMullen. "Catch the Drift" is a prime example of Novelists great intrigue, wrapping deep guitar drones around strangely powerful, suggestive percussion and wonderful ambience. Think Earth collaborating with Set Fire to Flames, and you'll find yourself somewhere in the ballpark where Novelist is throwing a perfect game.

The duo recently released a live CD, entitled Where No Life Moved, and, as previously mentioned, is planning to release Drosera before the year's end. Admittedly somewhat of an acquired taste, undoubtedly many will be smitten with this band's sound.

-Jordan Volz