novi split: pleasant surprise

Right, so, the title of this record is awful. It conjures all kinds of things, not a one of them appealing. It bothered me so intensely that I actively avoided listening to Novi Split’s second record for about a month. I expected some jokey, hyper-self-aware, over-infantilized indiepop, and that sort of thing makes me want to chew on a Coke bottle for like twelve years. Fortunately, I changed my mind this morning.

By way of background: Novi Split is apparently one David Jerkovich, who lives with his parents in San Pedro, California. He recorded Pink at home (specifically, his parents’ home), but you couldn’t tell. There’s nothing rickety or lo-fi about these songs — instead, they’re sewn up with silvery string arrangements and Jerkovich allows each one to build to a vibrant finale. The result is a record that recalls Hayden and M Ward and even, at times, Elliott Smith. Jerkovich’s songs are full of sadness and hesitance. “Settled Down” spells out a tale of betrayal over a taut, looping banjo figure; “Voices Carrie” boasts a gentle, surging melody and tiny ripples of piano; “Julie” slices and layers Jerkovich’s voice against tense, quivering cellos.

Another thing: I love — proudly! — Top 40 pop singles and proportionately loathe indie covers of Top 40 pop singles. So there is no reason at all I should be charmed by Novi Split’s gloomy take on “Crazy in Love.” But (until he gets to the chorus, at least), Jerkovich actually does right by it. He doesn’t fiddle with the song’s strong melody, and if it’s a bit gloomier than the Beyonce original, at least it’s executed without a wink or a nudge or a guffaw. Over and over, Jerkovich deftly walks the line between drama and melodrama.

If only he’d do something about that title.