Review:

on 2007-07-31 kev_stev Said:

The first release from Tim Kasher's side project, The Good Life, Novena on a Nocturn allowed Tim to focus on the softer aspects of music that did not suit his rock band Cursive well, songs that evoked a wide array of emotions from its listeners such as hopelessness, desperation, and sympathy. Although its not The Good Life's strongest release, Novena on a Nocturn contains many memorable songs, including the intimate "The Competition" and the poignant "A Golden Exit." As always, the lyrics on Novena are carefully crafted, melancholic gems, which offer meanings beyond the songs--something displayed especially in songs like "Your Birthday Present" and "Waiting on Wild Horses." Ultimately, though, I would invest in Black Out or Album of the Year before venturing into the earliest work of The Good Life, mainly because the latter albums offer a distinct form of cohesiveness not found on Novena, which can be considered more as a collection of songs tied together by Tim Kasher's piteous depression rather than a concept album.
Rating: 8/10