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Artist: Band: Cinema Novo
Album: Cinema Novo (EP)
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cinemanovo
Genre: Alternative Rock
Sounds Like: Frank Zappa, Santana, Pink Floyd, White Stripes
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 6/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Revolt, Copper Wires
Weakness: Winded Songs, Marketability, Get a Bass Player.
CD Review: Atlanta Georgia 2 piece band Cinema Novo just released their debut self- titled EP in 2013. Band members include: Christopher Richardson (guitar) and Shawn Moeckly (Drums).

The EP kicks things off with “revolt” a intoxicating intro piece that sets the stage rather appropriately for this catalogue of music. After a methodical intro this first piece explodes in your ears with pulsating rock rhythm, against distorted guitar, against a grand mosaic of exotic soundscapes and vocal melodies. Track 2 entitled “Broken Windows Folded into Cranes of Painted Glass” serves up a steady bass driven vibe against Alternative Rock melody and musical layering that can be described as captivating, mesmerizing and infectious. Track 3 “Copper Wires” explodes with sinister vibe with everything from impressive guitar and Electronica chops, to pulsating keyboard and synthesizer accents with exotic layers of sound that come at you from all directions. As the EP slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of classic 70’s Psychedelic Rock with Hints of Jam band and Classic rock. I suspect musical influences are: Frank Zappa, Santana, Pink Floyd, and White Stripes. The music is extremely melodic and stimulating but definitely brings to the table a lot of musical variety, originality and a high degree of unpredictability. Cinema Novo brings to the table a wide range of instrumentation. You will notice rich musical textures overflowing everywhere - from guitar ambience, sizzling guitar pyrotechnics, driving drums, to pulsating piano and leeboard accents meshed with solos and impressive sonic touches. The sonic overdubbing is packed to the hilt, and is chopped full of exotic soundscapes that lunge at you from every direction. There's not a dull moment on the entire EP. The melodic layering is deep, the sonic ambience is infectious, From rocking “Poppies And Petroleum” to Pandemic: the perfect finale statement for an EP like this.  

All songs over 4.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. 2 piece bands are pretty rare. I think bass player would add a much needed lower end frequency to the music of Cinema Novo. There’s also no barcode on the flipside of the CD indicating a retail non compatibility. Some of the aforementioned issues do affect the EP’s overall marketability.

From start to finish Cinema Novo is a rock solid EP release. It’s extremely consistent, original, and very melodic. It’s strength – it’s amazing songwriting, originality, and unpredictability. Make no bones about it these are 2 cutting edge talented composers. When the ride is over you will be dazzled by their originality, overwhelmed by their diversity.