The Wreck
Metro Beach, 2019
8/10
There certainly doesn’t appear to be a shortage of creative electro-pop outfits in France, and this time we’re talking about the duo of VvvV. Armed with analogue synthesizers, these two play music through amps and sing, but this isn’t any ordinary rock band approach.
“Mirrors” starts the listen spacey and ominous, as the tune builds into a giant delivery of swirling electro-pop, and “The Wreck” follows with a dense beat and bright synth that unfolds with nods to ‘80s post-punk.
Elsewhere, “Wonderland” leads bare with a buzzing quality as smooth vocals guide the tune, before futuristic layering and strategic percussion enter the equation, while “Unslaved” pulsates with a dance friendly approach that’s as infectious as it is mysterious.
The pair exit the listen with the industrial, almost gothic influence of “Angels”, and “Sparkling Neons” ends the listen with traces of New Wave buried in the dreamy, hypnotic conclusion.
A highly varied listen, whether you’re a fan of punk, dance, prog, kraut or shoegaze, The Wreck will have something for your ears, and it’s pretty likely you’ll enjoy the album as a whole, as the pair are full of unpredictable, compelling song craft.
Travels well with: Franco Divine- Solea; Neuland- Neuland