Comprised of Natalie Ribbons, Jason Chronis, Matt Simon and Sarah La Puera, the Austin, TX-based horror pop/macabre pop/indie rock quartet Tele Novella have publicity cited the likes of Os Mutantes, Belle and Sebastian and The Velvet Underground as being major influences on their sound; however,the Austin, TX-based quartet specialize in a material that thematically manages to be a little bit vampy yet sentimental, sinister and yet deeply heartfelt. In some way, their sound fits in quite well with renowned Austin, TX-based psych rock band The Black Angels.
Interestingly, the band won a contest for free recording time at Dub Narcotic Studios in Olympia,WA and the with the studio time, they recorded their first single “Trouble in Paradise,” which was later featured in the ABC TV series Pretty Little Liars. Building upon the buzz they received from “Trouble in Paradise,” the band’s 2015 effort Cosmic Dial EP was released just on the heels of their participation on a Wes Anderson tribute compilation, in which they contributed a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Stephanie Says.”
“Even Steven” is the latest single off the band’s recently released House of Souls and the single sounds as though it were inspired by 60s psych pop and Roger Corman horror movies — in particular, his loopy Fall of the House of Usher, as the band pairs shimmering guitar chords played through reverb, soaring organ chords, an anthemic and infectious hook, and sultry and subtly menacing vocals in a song about a evil character, named Even Steven who does everything within his power to get even with those who he feels wronged him.
The recently released music video employs the use of Claymation, construction paper animation and collages to create a hilarious DIY video full of cartoonish gore and violence — all of which are fitting for the Halloween season.