EP Review: Ro Nova – Orbiting

Orbiting by Ro Nova could be loosely defined as synthpop, but with an experimental and adventurous approach that is unusual in the genre but most welcome.

You pick up that confluence of attitudes and ideas as the opening and title track of the EP, Orbiting, takes flight. Nova balances a pop aesthetic in the vocals, similar to Madeline Goldstein and Geneva Jacuzzi. But like those artists, Nova shifts the paradigm in the arrangement to the left-field textures of downtempo electronica, and overlays that with a club sensibility.

Cloud10 begins like a traditional electro-ballad. Nova explores soundscapes that draw from Scandipop, weaving a dreamy tapestry that has nods to indie R&B, retaining an outsider atmosphere. Nova sings of finding a place to hide, the lyrics exposing her inner thoughts, as if seeking an as yet indefinable resolution.

There are nods to 80s and 90s electronic pop and dance, such as on Chase the Sadness, the song having a very European aspect to the bassline and vocal melody. The song continues the self-reflective nature of the EP, but it is far from self-absorbent. It’s easy to see why the legendary Schiller has worked with Nova in recent years, as she has real flair for communicating heartfelt messages in a pop-focused setting .

That quality is also present in Information Overload, a track that moves to a more overt Scandipop beat, bringing out into the open the ‘sad banger’ sound that was present in Chase the Sadness. Again, there is the sense that Nova is looking inwards, but again, she phrases those emotions in lyrics that the listener can identify with. Paired with an upbeat approach to the melody, it’s one of the songs that could have you dancing with tears in your eyes.

What is so captivating about the EP is how Nova draws from club culture – at times you can hear London garage bubbling away on Skydive and Another Life – and places that within a pop continuum, yet the lyrics follow a singer-songwriter traditional, literate and moving.

It may go against the grain in terms of what dominates the charts at present, but Orbiting is comprised of six songs that together are something greater, and will outlive trends. It is music that is quietly determined to connect on an emotional level with listeners, something we could do with a lot more of.

Ro Nova will support Lone Assembly on their upcoming UK tour. Orbiting is out now and can be heard on Spotify and SoundCloud. For news on those tour dates, as well as other streaming options for her music, follow Ro Nova on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.