Scotland’s greatest exports are arguably oil and whisky, but if this album from Vukovi is anything to go by then the Troon quartet could join the list. Key to this impending world domination is their sound: simply put this is a band that are like nothing else out there. Imagine a female led Red Hot Chili Peppers infused with math core intricacy and Faith No More versatility and you’ll be about half way to imagining just how good this band sound.
Famed for their live performances – spearheaded by the antics of Janine Shilstone – it’s a blessed relief to find all that energy captured in the more sterile surroundings of a recording studio. Quite how the sound engineer managed to do this without blowing up the equipment will remain one of life’s mysteries. The technical excellence of the song writing though is there for all to see: the little jazz flurries in the rhythms link seamlessly with solid indie rock guitar riffs and are seriously impressive. There are places on songs such as ‘La Di Da’ where the technical ability nears Primus levels, making this an album that will have musicians drooling.
The science part isn’t the only highlight because Shilstone has tonsils of pure gold. A Celtic lilt reminiscent of Dolores O’Riordan matched with the unbridled power and range familiar to fans of the Marmozets’ Rebecca MacIntyre makes for a heady combination. The sense of unadulterated fun shines through with every note sung and once again the mix captures all the nuances of the vocals as well as the big broad brush strokes. Even when played through those little in ear speakers that tend to turn everything beige, the music and that amazing set of pipes are loud and clear.
It should be said that not everyone will love this album; it’ll be too eclectic for some. There’s a very good chance though that people not prone to musical myopia will be drawn in and fall in love with it. This is a record that genuinely crosses boundaries which means it’ll find favour with many different music fans. Vukovi have produced a record that shows what the future of music might sound like. It’s a future that looks very bright indeed.
GARY TRUEMAN