Album Review: Everything Is A-OK by Violent Soho
After major success in Triple J’s Hottest 100 Of The Decade (should’ve been higher), Violent Soho have returned to us during our time of need. A consoling title for a ~troubling time~ where seemingly nothing is OK, Everything Is A-OK brings Violent Soho into a new light as we’re introduced to a fresh era – not just of headbanging and death circles, but of introspection, growth, catharsis, and freedom. When Violent Soho tells you Everything Is A-OK, prepare to be pacified.
The anticipation for this album has been weltering, with singles ‘Vacation Forever’ and ‘Lying on the Floor’ spinning frequently on Triple J over this past summer. These tracks gave us a bout of joy in what was a devastating summer for many, with both singles embracing a grey area between optimism and paralysis – wrapped in a wistful, coming-of-age feel. ‘Vacation Forever’ treads a line between optimism and rage, over some contagious vocals and riffs which you can definitely mosh to. The defining feature of the tracks is arguably their angst-fuelled lyrics that seem to simultaneously lust for life – not to mention the infamous baby boomer line plastered on a wall in Melbourne, serving both promotional and comedic purposes.
‘Lying on the Floor’ provided us with the cathartic screams one can expect from a Violent Soho track, but hinged to it is a sense of vulnerability, referring to new difficulties faced and overcome by the band. The release of these singles manifested by way of colossal lines outside of Redeye Records for tickets to an intimate show in February at our local Lansdowne Hotel (obviously far before COVID-19’s evil reign).
The album embodies a refined sound and a sense of angst rather anachronistic to 90s grunge. Influences from the likes of Smashing Pumpkins and Blink-182 flicker throughout various points of the album, all of which are unified by Violent Soho’s distinctive alt-rock sound. A stand out track on the album, ‘Slow Down Sonic’, gives us a dose of fragility which is one that we don’t typically see from the Brisbane band. Frontman Luke Boerdam told Triple J:
“That’s the stuff that excites us, we have headbanging and [power] chords down. Not being aggressive is the challenge… We’ve always relied on our natural aggression.”
‘Slow Down Sonic’ flaunts Billy Corgan tier vocals and guitar work, forging resonances to the sensitivity of grunge. Masterful
instrumentals and raw lyricism cooperate to create a moody, slouchy track, exposing us to new angles of the band’s ability.
‘A-OK’ is an ultimate conclusive track for a record that already seems to be a certified classic. The track starts slow (by Violent Soho standards) and acoustic – making me question if I’m listening to the same band as the one screaming a mere three songs beforehand. Mellow riffs kick in with a lax drum beat, bringing Powderfinger energy to the track. It’s refreshing to hear this stripped back, pensive dimension of the band. The serene guitar work on this track really feels like rocking on a hammock. Lyrically, we’re given some timely consolation and motivation to live in spite of everything going on. The song concludes on some chillingly relevant lyrics, which seem to surpass mere metaphorical value. We’re bestowed with a sense of comradery which is relevant now more than ever: “I can’t breathe here, but I guess we’ll have to share… all the common air…”.
The album plunges listeners into new depths of this band’s ability. We already know that Violent Soho are able to shred and set a moshpit alight. In this record, we’re exposed to new dimensions, as the band explores the friction between optimism and cynicism. This record sounds the way a pat on the back feels, itching to be enjoyed the way it’s supposed to be – with a bunch of mates. A generous serving of moshable tracks are dished up on Everything is A-OK, with multiple unexpected moody tracks which you could light a stick of incense to. Violent Soho have given us a refined voice of consolation, angst, catharsis, and freedom – all compressed into 10 huge tracks. Cheers boys, see you at Splendour!