ALBUM REVIEW: VUKOVI – MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN

‘…the lustful, sensual hedonism that the band’s sound has come to represent is still present, but is now wrapped in sonic barbed wire…’

Scottish duo VUKOVI have been steadily building momentum for quite some time now. From the release of their self-titled debut in 2017, the band have become famed for their electrifying live performances, and signature blend of huge pop hooks with punchy alternative rock riffs.

In 2022, the band released their third record, ‘NULA’. A sci-fi concept record, this was a bold step forwards for the band, pushing their sound into a heavier and more cinematic territory. The promise that was displayed here was elaborated upon further with two killer singles in 2023, ‘Creep Heat’ and ‘Mercy Kill’.

If ‘NULA‘ was the band experimenting with their sound, pushing it into more ambitious, heavier and grittier territories, then ‘MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN‘ is the sound of the band perfecting those experiments. This record is VUKOVI at their heaviest and most vulnerable to date, executed without losing any of their infectious pop flair, nor losing their often witty, charismatic songwriting. This may be VUKOVI at their darkest, but the party is far from over.

Proceedings are opened with the explosive introductory number ‘THIS IS MY LIFE AND MY TRAUMA‘, before unfolding into the lead single ‘GUNGHO‘. A bold, brash, and brilliantly fun way to kick off the band’s latest era, ‘GUNGHO‘ acts perhaps as the perfect bridge between the band’s third album, and this latest release. Janine Shilstone’s razor sharp vocal delivery plays out across the bruising, bouncing riffs supplied by Hamish Reilly; the track simply oozes a swaggering coolness. It frames the album perfectly, letting the listener know that this is VUKOVI at perhaps their most immense to date.

From here, the band get darker and more introspective than ever before. The title track sees Shilstone personifying her mental illness as an oppressive God, whilst ‘FALLEN BEYOND‘ sees Shilstone grappling with a loss of libido and a yearning for intimacy in the throes of depression (‘Give me a second ’cause I feeling fucking numb/I’m not ready but I’ll sure make it fun‘); it’s a startlingly vulnerable admission that is certain to resonate with many listeners, and perfectly displays just how VUKOVI have managed to weave together the playful, hedonistic strands of their past with a desire to be introspective and honest.

The highlight perhaps comes in the one-two punch of ‘SNO‘ and ‘COWBOY‘, which constructs an emotional centre point of the record. Shilstone cuts a captivating figure on the dramatic ‘SNO’, with her strident vocals layered atop of soaring, cinematic instrumental work. Meanwhile, ‘COWBOY’ sees her lyrically at possibly her most vulnerable yet, backed up by a gorgeous and surprisingly stripped-back instrumental, decorated with bright synths. The songwriting and compositional evolution that the band have undergone with this album is often startling, but in a delightfully brilliant manner.

This isn’t to say that the old VUKOVI is dead and buried; for those who relished the band’s pop oriented output, there are still plenty of wildly infectious choruses and danceable rhythms throughout this record. ‘MISTY ECSTASY‘ is one of the lightest tracks of the album, with its dance-punk rhythms and immense chrouses, as Shilstone delivers a sensual, joyful mantra of how enjoyable sex should be.

Even at a surprisingly lengthy 44 minutes, the album remains an exciting and engaging listen throughout. The chemistry of Shilstone and Reilly is an unstoppable force, bringing the dark and light to life with wonderful charisma. The nefarious way depression seeps into every aspect of one’s psyche and self-worth is conveyed perfectly, and Shilstone’s vicious fight back against that tide provides some wonderful moments of catharsis.

Without a doubt, ‘MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN‘ represents VUKOVI at their best yet. It is wholly unsurprising that the band have finally started to gain widespread attention, and no doubt that process will only continue to accelerate following this release; the lustful, sensual hedonism that the band’s sound has come to represent is still present, but is now wrapped in sonic barbed wire. VUKOVI don’t care if you dance or mosh, as long as you keep the party going even through the darkest moments.

RATING: 79/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Bring Me The Horizon, Saint PHNX, Enter Shikari, Nova Twins, Alt Blk Era

Physical copies of the album are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify