‘…This review should not be considered as a recommendation that you listen to this track, but a demand…’
Midwest emo midlands outfit Vienna have had quite the year. A great little debut EP, followed up by a superb single, and shows across England have ensured that the four-piece are never too far from the conversation when the topic of UK grassroots emo arises. With a headline Halloween show and plans for a sophomore EP in the pipeline, there are no signs of that momentum slowing any time soon, especially when factoring in the band’s brand new single, ‘Quiet Season’.
It feels as though with every release, Vienna continue to shine ever brighter, and that continues to be the case with this heartfelt exploration of hope in hopeless moments. Guitars alternate between shimmering strums and folksy noodling, with particularly gorgeous performance around the 1:20 moment. Joe Lewis continues to serve as a marvellous drummer, with an intricate and surprisingly melodic approach to percussion that singles him out as a truly talented performer; it is clear that he seeks not to simply carve out rhythms, but bring light and shade to the track wherever possibe.
Ben Jones delivers a particularly incredible vocal performance, utilising his warm and captivating lower register to truly embellish upon the track’s bittersweet themes. Vocal harmonies from Zuzanna Dudek of Fern serve as a genuinely beautiful contrast to Jones’ plaintive melodies, as the track builds towards an undeniably shiver-inducing climax, with distant screamed vocals and crashing percussion woven into the track’s soft fabric. The track’s closing bar in particular sees Jones deliver just the perfect vocal melody, as he repeats the hook of ‘I’m sorry for leaving you‘ with a sudden shift to a higher vocal register; it makes for a wonderfully cathartic conclusion.
When reviewing ‘Half Past Rad‘ here, it was stated that it offered a glimpse into a future in which Vienna fully realise their potential and become a must-know name in the UK emo scene. ‘Quiet Season‘ makes it clear that a minor correction must be made to that sentiment; Vienna already are a must-know name in the UK emo scene. This review should not be considered as a recommendation that you listen to this track, but a demand that you should, as what the band have pieced together here is one of the finest emo singles of the year.
For Fans Of: Modern Baseball, The Hotelier, Have Mercy, Stay Inside, saturdays at your place, Arm’s Length
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