I
have nothing but praise for the debut album from Van She - V.
It’s one of those albums that not only demonstrate their
talents as musicians who are in touch with their era, but it goes
a long way to understanding the evolution of this band and their
sound.
Strangers is the fun
melodic -electro anthem, high on synth and throbbing keyboard
underpinnings that has been chosen as the single for first release
and it’s been receiving radio play in huge increments. We
were introduced to their refined sound earlier this year while
they toured under the title of track two, Cat and the Eye - so
it wasn’t as if we hadn’t been privy to the direction
these boys from Van She have been heading.
The stand out track of the album is Changes for
me. It’s a pop-sonic melody which is mildly reminiscent
of French maestros Phoenix. This is none-to surprising as Van
She have been exposed to those guys – touring with them
as well as playing support fiddle to other French aficionados
of dance – Daft Punk.
I admire the inclusion of Kelly (they’re previously
well known hit) on this album as it serves to remind us of where
they’ve been and where they are running to. I would suggest
this song has been given a reworking and it would sit easily in
the song listing for the Pretty and Pink Soundtrack totally reminiscent
of the Psychedelic Furs. They’re ability to pour progressive
rock, spaced out synthesized supple-ness with a dose of good ole
fashioned shoe-gazing means there is much to discover in this
album.
Watch the clip for Strangers
here
I’m totally in love with tracks 11 and 12 - Sharp Knife
for it’s downbeat dreamy-ness again hints at, (to these
ears anyway) Phoenix and Sunbeams respectively, closes the album
nicely.
As well as this album being a real grower, for
it’s rock-infused galactica style journeys I can tell you,
having seen the band perform recently as part of the Modular Van
She Parties you won’t be disappointed. The energy these
guys are giving out when they are performing these tracks is phenomenal,
goes to show just how into their evolved sound they as a band
are too.
Catch them at Splendour in the Grass or as part
of their national tour in the coming months!
V is available through Modular Records
and Universal Music.
I
have nothing but praise for the debut album from Van She - V.
It’s one of those albums that not only demonstrate their
talents as musicians who are in touch with their era, but it goes
a long way to understanding the evolution of this band and their
sound.