Vogon Poetry are a synthpop trio based in Sweden, to date they have released several singles and EP's over the last 8 or 9 years, in addition they have released 3 albums, their debut "Don't Panic" in 2014, "The Prefect Stories" in 2015 and "Life, The Universe And Everything" in 2018 and in late 2020 they released their 4th album "Deep Thought" on the impressive PBH media label.
The band have a strong affinity with science fiction which has been a continuing subject through their releases, check out their video for the track "Dangers Of Space":
https://youtu.be/GAgHgvjlHAs
To the new album......
The atmospheric "My Way Out" is the opening track, that has haunting, ghost like commentary over an endearing music backdrop and strong melody line, brilliant vocals cut through the music, a well structured track and shows they have developed their songwriting over the years.
"Passion" is a really strong track and it is no surprise it was released as a single, again really impressive vocals from John, sings with emotion, which is something I like as a music listener, I like how the song develops with its throbbing synth lines and dance beat, fantastic synth sounds on this track too.
"Exposed Thoughts", for me, is one of their greatest ever tracks, pure synthpop, brilliant sequencer lines, a very strong chorus, the music in this track is top class, easy to see why this was released as a single. Everything just fits into place perfectly, the music, the vocals, outstanding.
"Tankar" is a track sung in their native language, Swedish, and has just been released as a 12 track single, which is available here: https://vogonpoetrymusic.bandcamp.com/
The track features some stunning sequencer work, it is a darker sounding track and despite it being sung in Swedish I quite like this song, reminded me of the darker side of Yazoo, strong chorus too.
"Milliways" is a fans favourite, uplifting and synthetic, which ticks all the right boxes for me, and what a chorus, it is mighty fine, the work gone into creating the music is hugely impressive, a superbly produced track and definitely an album highlight.
"Barren Lands" is a thing of beauty, lovely piano intro which quickly evolves into a fast paced track, lovely warm pads and once again John delivers a fantastic vocal, I think he has really improved his vocals over the years, he can certainly add emotion and feeling to the music created and this album sees that partnership hit perfection.
"The Nightflyer" has a sampled vocal intro and sound effects mixed with a Drum and Bass rhythm section with some sequencer melody parts overlaid, its my least favourite track on the album and does seem a little out of place.
"Xenomorph" has a soundtrack feel to it, great atmospheric pads, good use of voice samples, I also like the pulsing bass-line, very science fiction!
The album closes with my favourite single by the band "Changes", absolute perfection from start to finish, beautiful piano and sequencer melodies, I love how the song builds, John is again on top form with his vocals, once again the music backdrop is well thought out, an achingly wonderful chorus, their finest ever recording.
It is obvious that this is an album made by 3 great friends that enjoy making music and they have pushed the boundaries on this album, which results in a very accomplished piece of work they can be very proud of, they have developed their sound and show that they are 3 talented guys when they get into a studio to make music.
In a word I would sum up the album as impressive 8.5/10
By the way I highly recommend you watch their live performance they did online in November last year titled "Vogon Poetry - Live From The Living Room" it encapsulates what Vogon Poetry are all about, it is available on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/IZOQ6AIlFvc
The album "Deep Thought" released on the PBH Media label is available on Bandcamp on CD and as a Digital Download and includes 3 bonus tracks.
https://vogonpoetrymusic.bandcamp.com/album/deep-thought
Find out more about Vogon Poetry by visiting their Facebook page:
