EP REVIEW: Vienna – Sleep Fighter II

‘…distinctive, well-crafted, and well-produced emo that offers the perfect soundtrack to your sad person summer…’

Based out Birmingham, Vienna have been hard at work since 2023, crafting a space for themselves in the flourishing UK emo scene. Extensive touring has seen them not only perform with talented peers such as Danger Dog and Pale Sailor, but also with US rising stars Michael Cera Palin.

‘Sleep Fighter II’ brings together three of the band’s singles, along with a brand new release, offering the perfect sampling platter of the band’s sound. It’s not here to revolutionise the scene, but instead offers distinctive, well-crafted, and well-produced emo that offers the perfect soundtrack to your sad person summer.

Opener and brand new track ‘BMO Drive’ is a punchy emo bop that crackles with energy. Scrappy riffs dance with noodling flourishes, whilst the television show sample introduction is present and accounted for. ‘Ratatouille! I Hardly Know Her…’ packs a bluesy instrumental bridge and intro, whilst the choruses see sparkling melodies overlapping raw screams, demanding that the track be heard played live.

‘Stare Into The Sky’ is a breezy, nostalgic number rooted in a deep appreciation for the small moments. Gently driving instrumentals work perfectly alongside the deeply catchy yet tender melodies, especially during the sparkling choruses. Closer ‘Somewhere Between Here and Gone’ is the heaviest track of the bunch, leaning heavily in a shoegaze and grunge direction. It’s a deeply melancholic yet gritty affair that rounds out the EP with the band’s most versatile and emotive performance.

‘Sleep Fighter II’ may well be the emo sound of the summer. Between the dreamy melodies, jangly riffs, and bittersweet lyricism, this EP is a wonderful selection of emo anthems that feel distinctive and full of character; never too witty as to feel disingenuous, never too dry as to feel bland.

A sentiment often reiterated here is that there has never been a better time to be a UK emo fan; the scene is packed with talent that is just begging to break out. Vienna may well be at the front of that pack; don’t be surprised when your favourite band takes them on tour.

RATING: 80/100 – Very Good

For Fans Of: Origami Angel, saturdays at your place, Michael Cera Palin, Stay Inside

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify