On Saturday, February 1, 2025, alternative rock pseudonym Novulent delivered a gritty yet glistening performance at New York City’s Mercury Lounge. Sharing the stage with The Missing Peace, the evening showcased a diverse lineup of up-and-coming heavyweights that kept the audience dancing in a circle from start to finish.

Novulent, a 20-year-old alternative rock and shoegaze artist from Dallas, Texas, is quickly cementing himself as a front-runner in the new wave of emerging rock artists. His music blends elements of hard rock, shoegaze, and Midwest emo, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With his latest EP, BEFORE EVOLUTION, Novulent showcases his growth as an artist, evolving his sound while staying true to the raw emotional energy that first captivated his audience.

Novulent’s love for music was first sparked by anime TV shows like Dragon Ball Z, where he was introduced to rock music at a young age. His sonic identity is shaped by his ability to blend heavy, distorted guitar tones with ethereal soundscapes and deeply personal lyrics. Beyond music, Novulent has numerous creative interests, including tattoo artistry, cooking, gaming, skateboarding, and anime. Initially, he had plans to pursue a career as a tattoo artist before music became his primary focus.

Novulent’s journey into music began at the age of 17 when he started creating songs on BandLab using just his phone. He uploaded his early works to SoundCloud, gradually building a dedicated fan base drawn to his honest lyricism and dynamic instrumentals. His breakout single, “scars,” became a viral sensation, amassing 111 million streams on Spotify alone and generating 264,000 TikTok creates. The song continues to stream at an impressive rate of two million plays per week, solidifying Novulent as a major player in the modern rock landscape. Currently, he boasts 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Novulent’s new EP, BEFORE EVOLUTION, marks a significant turning point in his career. As the title suggests, the project symbolizes his musical maturation and transition into a refined alternative rock sound. “I took songs I know I like to listen to, songs I know my fans like to listen to, and evolved off that to make real music,” Novulent explains. “It’s a proper expression of emotional vulnerability that I didn’t have with my earlier songs, and it shows objectively how I’ve gotten better and improved as an artist.”

The EP captures a raw and unfiltered sentimental depth that was less present in his previous work. Through aggressive instrumentation and contemplative lyrics, Novulent invites listeners into his world, making them feel every emotion alongside him.

The night began with The Missing Peace, whose metal-infused sound ignited a frenzy in the crowd, instilling a persistent adrenaline-rush within the first few notes. Blending ambient emo elements with rap undertones, Missing Peace created an unique auditory experience that enthralled the audience. Although only an opening act, Mercury Lounge didn’t hold back for The Missing Peace, mosh pits opened early on in their setlist and remained moving throughout. It was evident the band left Mercury Lounge with a new posse of fans.

By the time Novulent appeared, the venue was buzzing with anticipation. Known for his distinctive fusion of alternative rock, emo, and shoegaze, genres notorious for implementing organic instrumentation, Novulent brought along a stellar band to accompany him. Together, their passion was palpable and infectious, seeping into the crowd who absorbed every ounce of it and reflected it back with even more vitality. They opened the night with a robust live rendition of “closure,” immediately captivating the audience with their dynamic stage presence and intricate melodies.

Throughout the set, Novulent seamlessly transitioned between pulsating tracks and more introspective numbers, demonstrating his versatility as a musician. The band’s chemistry, despite being only a touring ensemble, was polished and professional, with each member contributing to a cohesive and compelling performance.

The highlight of the evening was their performance of “savior,” a fan-favorite that had the entire crowd singing along. During this track, Novulent even turned the microphone over to audience members in the front row, allowing them to scream the lyrics as if it was their own show. The connection between the artist and the crowd belied Novulent’s relative novice to performing live in front of a sold-out concert hall as a headline performer, concocting an environment that made everyone feel like a vital part of the moment.

Concluding their set with “scars,” the artist’s most-streamed track on Spotify, Novulent left the stage to resounding cheers, hollers, and pleads for an encore, cementing their reputation as a must-see live act. The concert was a testament to the vibrant and eclectic music scene that Mercury Lounge continues to foster as well as the impact Novulent is already leaving on the music scene across big cities.

While New York City might’ve been the conclusion to Novulent’s ‘Evolution Tour,’ his rise to fame is only just beginning. Stay up to date with Novulent below and buckle up for what is expected to be a thrilling year for the rising rockstar!

THE MISSING PEACE | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

NOVULENT | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE