German indie folk artist Novelley has released a number of impressive singles over the course of the last year, from the quirky and endearing “Beetles Making Love” to the bewitching Christmas-season surprise titled “Bellwether”.   

Novelley’s range and aptitude for finding new ground to explore is impressive, especially now that we’ve got “Lost Ally”.  This track is certainly further along the spectrum towards folk rock, maybe even pop music, than anything we’ve heard from Novelley’s run of singles.  

The brooding atmosphere of the tune doesn’t quite feel like the same artist we’ve come to know - but the soft, disarming vocal reminds us in whose capable hands we remain. And when the wave breaks around the 2 minute mark, it becomes an entirely different emotional animal - like the first merciful drops of rain from an ominous cloud you’ve been keeping an eye on.

The chorus feels a bit destabilizing at first, but with a bit of re-listening it has become thoroughly addictive for this listener. And Novelley’s unique vocal style works really well in this type of track, which is really cool to discover.