EP REVIEW: Vienna – For Friends

‘…knows when to deliver playful whimsy, and when to deliver surprisingly emotive gut-punches; it remains immense fun to behold without ever feeling as though the band lack earnestness…’

Following on from their brilliantly fun single ‘Just Friends’, West Midlands emo outfit Vienna have returned a week later to finish the job. Ahead of their debut co-headlining tour with Chasing Dolls, the four-piece have released their sophomore EP, ‘For Friends’, which serves as an undeniable step up in every way compared to their already great debut.

What is becoming quickly apparent is that versatility makes for one of the band’s prime qualities; they have a strong capacity for crafting creative and varied soundscapes that still retain their core charm. Midwest emo ideas are laced with influence from post-hardcore, folk, and even bedroom pop, yet never once does this EP feel as though it lacks cohesion or focus.

‘Half-Past Rad’ busts the EP open with a riff deserving of cheap pizza and a PS1 skateboarding title, before diving headlong atop of a driving and deviously intricate rhythmic foundation. ‘F.U.N.’ immediately snags you with a chirpy, buoyant rhythmic hook, before being joined by infectious guitar licks and a spirited vocal performance from Ben Jones. The jagged bridge segment is pulled about by strident bass grooves, before spilling out into a glittering wall-of-sound climax.

When the band elects to move towards a softer sonic palette, real magic commences. ‘Quiet Season’ muses on the way we grieve not only for those that have passed, but the lives we expected to lead and the dreams that lay unfulfilled. Folkish guitar riffs twang above a shimmering indie rock foundation, whilst Jones delivers a surprisingly soulful vocal performance with his rich, low register. The climax swirls with a cinematic intensity, Zuzanna Dudek of Fern offering genuinely beautiful vocal harmonies as Jones shifts into screams. It’s a spellbinding performance from all involved.

‘Cerulean City’ is another highlight of the record, as Vienna carve out dreamy and ethereal soundscapes with reverb soaked guitars, muffled percussion, and luscious synths layers. The manner in which the track gradually builds with a weighty sense of hope is magnificently executed, with wonderfully intricate acoustic guitar joining the second verse, and then being built upon by soaring tremolo electric guitar work. It’s a surprising but fantastic number from the band, with a lo-fi innocence that reverberates with a genuine sense of springtime splendour.

British emo is in an incredible place right now, a blossoming scene that is packed with exciting, fresh, and inspired new bands. There is a strong sense of community that is absolutely thriving, as musicians work alongside one another, take each other around the UK, and show genuine love for one another; it should never be confused for a competition for success. Yet, by simple virtue of how damn good they are, Vienna may end up the figureheads of this movement.

‘For Friends’ knows when to deliver playful whimsy, and when to deliver surprisingly emotive gut-punches; it remains immense fun to behold without ever feeling as though the band lack earnestness. Between their talent for songwriting, genuine technical proficiency, and willingness to branch out beyond their own horizons, the future for Vienna looks undeniably bright.

RATING: 82/100

For Fans Of: Hot Mulligan, saturdays at your place, Arm’s Length, Origami Angel,

Physical copies of the record are available to purchase here via Best Life Records.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Bandcamp