Album Review: Vukovi – ‘Vukovi’

Glasgow experimental-rock natives Vukovi have just released their debut self-titled album. Over the past few years the band have built up a solid fan-base, performed on numerous tours around the UK and released three EPS, 2011’s ‘…But I Won’t Wear You Again’ and ‘It Looked So Good On Me’ and, 2012’s ‘Sweet Swears’. The band originally formed with current members; Hamish Reilly (Guitar), Jason Trotter (Bass) and Colin Irving (Drums) under the name ‘Wolves’ soon recruited vocalist Janine Shilstone and renamed themselves Vukovi.

Latest single ‘La Di Da’ sets off the album at a fast pace with a distortion packed dark instrumental. There’s a similarity to the sound that ‘Love, Robot’ captured on their second album ‘B.A.D.’ Almost immediately you can hear that this isn’t a record that’s going to hold back lyrically, with the track delving into the story of an abusive relationship. Second track ‘And He Lost His Mind’ follows the pace set by ‘La Di Da’, a menacing guitar riff driven song that touches on the subject of alcohol and drug abuse and its affects.

‘Weirdo’ sets a lighter tone, with a bouncy introduction and a heavy pop-rock sensibility, track six ‘Bouncy Castle’ follows in the same vein with electronic elements shining through the chorus with the track truly living up to its name, it really is bouncy. This is just the first taste of the versatility of the record. Track eight ‘I’m Wired’ also captures the band’s pop-rock side, with a dance feel, more electronics carrying the chorus, and, one of the most powerful vocal performances on the album, it’s reminiscent of PVRIS track St. Patrick.

‘Prey’ and ‘Boy George’ showcase the albums more aggressive moments. ‘Prey’ is led by a powerful guitar melody and highlights some of the best lyricism on the record with the chorus melody stating ‘We are deadly monsters waiting for you under your bed'. ‘Boy George’ is riff heavy and bursting with attitude held down by an instrumental that’s derived influence from Rage against the Machine.

Closing track ‘Colour Me In’ serves as a curve-ball and an absolute highlight for the album. An emotional track that details love for somebody close whether they’re still here or not. Making for the slowest track on the album, a dreamy guitar melody and simple drumbeat support the vocals throughout the verses before building up into a strong chorus displaying the lyrics ‘You colour me in from my skin to my bones’.  Eventually cascading into a powerful bridge followed by a soaring guitar solo and a final chorus.

With their debut album Vukovi have proved that they’re a band you can’t pigeonhole. With twelve excellent songs that balance between alternative rock and pop. Being unafraid to touch on serious subject matter throughout the entire record also makes it an incredibly honest listen. With such a strong debut album it’s guaranteed you’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more of Yukovi in the future.

‘Vukovi’ is currently available to purchase on ITunes.

Watch the official music video for ‘La Di Da’ here -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXPM8nXR3Z8