The Novel Ideas bring a rollicking twang to their music that is influenced by roots music’s vibrant past catalogue, but inarguably modern in its overall delivery. In that regard, they’re set sonically somewhere between the sounds of artists like the Wild Ponies and the Avett Brothers. Though, as with many bands of this ilk, they bring their own familiar and familial musical sentiments to the table.
“We’ve had this song in our set for a long time and almost always close with it,” say the Novel Ideas about their newest single, “Old Ways”. “It has kind of become the unofficial anthem for the band. To us, it’s a reminder to never hold on to the past too tightly.”
“Old Ways” is, indeed, a warming, nostalgic tune that reflects on the ubiquitous saying that “hindsight is 20/20”. Meshed together by tight, bluegrass-influenced harmonies and country dobro, it is both a lyrical and sonic treat straight from the hearth.
The Novel Ideas’ self-titled album releases 8 September.