SINGLE REVIEW: Vienna – Half Past Rad

‘…this single offers an insight into what is possible; a highly polished, highly enjoyable emo record that sets the standard for the next wave of artists…’

It’s proving to be quite the busy year for Vienna. Earlier this year saw the West Midlands based four-piece release their debut EP ‘Sleep Fighter II’, and following dates in Sheffield, Liverpool, and Birmingham, the band are putting together a debut headline show in October. Despite all of this, Vienna have found the time to squeeze another brand new emo banger, with a track that not only demands your attention, but a skateboard and American style pizza.

‘Half Past Rad‘ continues Vienna’s commitment to putting UK midwest emo on the map, with bristling musical performances, effortlessly catchy melodies, and even a Video Game High School clipping in the introduction. The percussion throughout is undoubtedly some of the best from the band yet, with the rhythms darting and diving about without ever losing any of their danceable energy; the hi-hat at the 00:23 mark is particularly, brilliantly satisfying.

Scrappy riffs bound forwards with a skate punk grit about them, whilst vocalist Ben Jones continues to shine, with his distinctive tones sounding richer and more confident than ever before; the melodies simply demand that you sing along. Everything here contains the raw fun that makes midwest emo so enjoyable, but it finished off with a degree of polish that makes the track feel like a real step forwards for the band

Even despite the track’s brilliantly goofy name, ‘Half Past Rad‘ feels like Vienna taking themselves seriously as a band. Whilst their ‘Sleep Fighter II‘ EP offered a great introduction to Vienna, this single offers an insight into what is possible; a highly polished, highly enjoyable emo record that sets the standard for the next wave of artists. There has never been a better time to be a UK emo fan.

For Fans Of: saturdays at your place, Origami Angel, Arm’s Length, Ben Quad, Michael Cera Palin

Featured photo credit belongs to @richard.mukuze

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify