November 2nd are a Czech Republic-based rock band who have just hit our radar thanks to their first album release in twelve years. A combination of aggressive rock, electronica and soul, it’s called November 2nd.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Marek Musil
November 2nd is singer and guitarist Alexandra Langošová, producer Boris Carloff, guitarist Roman Helcl, bassist Jakub Vejnar and drummer Petr Ptáček. For their latest record they’ve worked with some giants of the industry, including Tchad Bake, Andrew Scheps, Matt Ross-Spang, John Netti, Anthony Krizan, Todd Lombardo, Doug Yowell, Roman Vícha and Steve Walsh. The result is a highly-polished collection that doesn’t lose the rebellious spirit of rock and roll.
It opens with Lights Are Out. It’s a bombastic opener with a big, fuzzy riffs and bold drums. When Alexandra’s vocals come in, you know you’re in for something special. They’re wonderfully charismatic and expressive, delivering an emotional first verse that leads into a sweeping chorus. It’s a strong start.
All Comes Down sees producer Boris flex his muscles, using unconventional tools and techniques to create a number that brings classic rock and experimental electronica together. Its infectious groove makes it an early highlight.
What It Feels Like slows things down with a brooding, bluesy number. Love Me or Leave Me (TX, TN) sticks with the blues but ups the heaviness. Last Kiss sits at the heart of the album giving us a sultry, timeless highlight that’s rich with storytelling.
Crossroads brings with it a hip-hop undercurrent, married innovatively with elements of country and blues. Dirt in the Ditch pushes the experimentation further with a driving electronica-infused moment that will get you moving. I Feel Love ups the emotion with a simmering, epic composition that’s another highlight.
Comet plods along with a sense of world-weariness in its verse before transforming into a cosmic moment in the chorus. Island, Baby closes the album with a textured arrangement that supports Alexandra’s vocals at their most soulful. It’s a final highlight.
You can check out November 2nd below.
