Photo: JAGJAGUWAR
Creative reinvention can be a double edged sword, and although an artist moving into new pastures can refreshing for both the creator and listener, it can sometimes be tough to leave a musical legacy behind.
There were always elements of Oasis in Beady Eye's material (for better or worse), The Postal Service always just felt like Death Cab For Cutie with more computers and Dirty Pretty Things/Babyshambles were questionable dilutions of The Libertines' core sound.
On the other hand some acts find a way to use their history and adapt. This rare trait is overwhelmingly apparent throughout the debut album of Viet Cong, a Canadian post punk band that emerged from the wreckage of the band Women.
Understandably, bassist/vocalist Matt Flegel and drummer Michael Wallace's presence in the group does bring elements of Women's unique musical style into play. Instead of slavishly basing an entire sound around it Viet Cong merely use it as a springboard to project a wealth of very different ideas.
The ominous chants of 'Newspaper Spoons' that open the record set the tone of the release early on. Viet Cong make a lot of ground throughout the 37 minute run time, from moments of inner reflection to intense visceral outpour, yet nothing feels misguided or contrived. Aspects from across the post punk spectrum are combined and brought together with ease.
Early highlights lie in the overwhelmingly strong single 'Continental Shelf' a track centred around opposing expressions of intensity. 'Silhouettes' best embodies the album's overarching theme of correction, as precisely jagged guitars and a huge chorus feel familiar yet push things forward. At times it feels like Viet Cong are fixing mistakes made by indie bands in the last decade.
Naturally this trend does have its occasional negatives, with tracks like 'Pointless Experience' sounding like an ever-so heavier Interpol in their Turn on the Bright Lights era. However in other moments the sonic vision is separated enough to feel both experimental and comfortable, as exemplified by the lengthy, palpating album closer 'Death'.
It is ultimately Viet Cong's meticulous mix of invention and approachability that gives this record a sense of intrigue. There is clearly no sense of fear to push themselves, yet their musical history seems to impart a restraint of sorts, giving the album a calculated charm.
Viet Cong - Viet Cong is released 19 January 2015.
