Heather Nova

Singer/songwriter Heather Nova has built a cult following around the UK thanks to her infectious, emotionally raw live shows. Blow, a nine-song set recorded in London at the rise of her career in the early nineties, illustrates her vibrant nature as a performer. She's far more aggressive in a live setting, wild in making her passion come alive. Blow is a sure fit for fans who appreciate Nova's power as an artist. The aching beauty of "Light Years and the warm hues of "Maybe an Angel," both from Nova's second album Oyster, define a wounded soul. "Sugar" takes things further. Nova's dark vocalic cries on "Sugar" tango with haunting orchestration for something seductive and distressing. Material from Glow Stars is strinkingly similar. The chaotic storm of "Mother Tongue" riles with Nova's scorching instrumentation. Vocally, she's angelic and soft, but mixing her voice and blazing acoustics marks her desire. She's magnetic and fans are attracted to that. Like Live From the Milky Way, Blow is supreme for loyal followers. She hasn't earned praise like Sarah McLachlan, Jewel and Alanis Morissette, however Heather Nova is a secret and treasured one at that. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide