Vukovar
– New World Reorder EP (Small Bear Records)
DL
Out
Now
9
/ 10
“Voyeurs, idealists and totalitarians” release
their new EP.
Of
course it could never have happened, but if Ian Curtis had fronted New Order it
may well have sounded like this. There’s
also more than a hint of Peter Saville artwork here too, and the title….. It could all be a clever marketing ploy, but
after listening to the EP it’s quite obvious that it could just be one of this year’s
finest releases.
From
St Helens come the band named after the Croatian city recording for the label
from the Isle Of Man which continues to pump out great release after great
release seemingly unnoticed. Formed by
Rick Antonsson (ex Longdrome Flowers) and Dan Ankers (formerly of The Bordellos)
with Mikie Daugherty and Jonny Peacock from Postcode, the band also includes
Small Bear creators Phil and Marie Reynolds to create something of a Small Bear
supergroup.
With
a sweeping synth hook and great deep bassline, the single version of New World
Order is accessible not just for any Indie fan but possibly a far wider audience. Many an apparently ‘hip’ radio DJ could well pick
up on this song and play it on mainstream radio with the added vocals of Marie
to soften the otherwise harsh track.
What
follows are six remixes of the same track.
Normally an indication of lack of imagination and ideas, this seven
track EP is then lifted to a collection of quite different sounding songs. Indeed, as early as the second piece –
Featherfins Taking Over The World Remix – a short but mellow effort, the bar is
set high.
As
New World Order then changes its title to NWO, the GHC Mix is again relatively
short but contains a staggered bass and some cute semi-dub effects in
conjunction with additional synth effects.
The percussion is almost non-existent in a sparse but thoroughly
entertaining version.
The
Isvisible Mix brings a powerhouse of an electro bassline and snared drum loops
in a magnificent version which can only be played louder and louder. An almost sinister feel and a driving
mix. A more poppy feel to the Rebel
Solution STFKO Mix as the voices appear calmer and delicate simulated bird
cheeps and squeaks randomly appear in the backing.
Perhaps
the highlight is the JVT Mix, a stunning club mix with brilliant breaks over a
high-powered beat. Marie’s vocals are
used to great effect to create a brilliant hook and a new synth line is
added. A brilliant mix that dominates
from start to finish.
As
the EP closes with the Arbory Mix, a minimalist and experimental version with an
elderly lady (?) narrating as haphazard sounds bounce around in the
background. If this EP is anything to
judge the talents of Vakovar then the forthcoming Emperor album should be one
to savour.
Links
Small Bear Records
Vukovar Tumblr site
Vukovar on Twitter
Vukovar on Facebook
Published on Louder Than War 13/06/15 - here
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