aaamusic | On 06, Mar 2012

Vigo Thieves’ new EP is an overly-polished but moderately impressive collection of grandiose indie songs. The Scottish four-piece – who formed in 2008 – create danceable indie rock, with 80s new wave synths and massive melodic hooks. ‘Heart & Soul (Part 1)’ is the band’s follow up to the very warmly received ‘Live Is Dead’ EP, and is the first of two parts (with ‘Heart & Soul (Part 2)’ to follow shortly). Vigo Thieves are all about melody – whether it is the glorious delivery of their heart-on-sleeve lyrics; mid-paced, melodic guitar effects; or soothing keyboard/synth layers.

The EP opens with a short but atmospheric instrumental before launching into the pomp of ‘Steal Your Heart’ – which contains a pulsating synth line and soaring guitar-lines not unlike U2. It really sets out the template of what Vigo Thieves do for the rest of the EP, which is make their new wave indie as epic as possible, sticking to a slightly unadventurous pace, but containing fist-pumping choruses worthy of the miserable UK charts.

The second song – ‘Heartbeats’ – is perhaps the highlight, with a brilliant, central keyboard riff that contains a house vibe; reminiscent of some of the latest output from Coldplay. The synths of ‘Love Is Dead’ are perhaps a little too cheesy for an indie-rock band (being more fitting for an electro-pop, 80s nostalgia band), but it contains an enjoyably flamboyant rhythm, that The Music (RIP) made a career out of. ‘She’s On Fire’ has a real New Order vibe to it, with the biggest chorus of the EP and a welcome snippet of female soul vocals. The extra banging of the snare drum allows a much heavier sound to develop, and is all the more exciting for it (note to Al Jukes: hit that snare more often!). The closer is a U2-esque indie ballad, which is fine, and features the EP’s best vocal performance.

Stevie Jukes vocals retain a slight, likeable regional accent, and his voice and melody manufacturing is similar to Glasvegas. The lyrics are simple and suitably romantic, but ultimately predictable. The dance-y synths fit just fine alongside the indie-rock (unlike a lot of bands who try some degree of indie-dance crossover). My only major gripe is that the rock aspect could’ve done with a little more to bite down on, and a little less gloss.

 

Clive Rozario