Review (of sorts): Van She – V

I honestly thought I could not be surprised by Australian music anymore. For what seemed an eon, that which was given the blessing of popular and critical acclaim was essential cock-rock, whether it was deemed mainstream or (and god forbid I even say this) alternative (ala the Triple J annointed). Obviously this state of affairs is in no way indicative of the actual talent and richness of the musical soil in this cultural unforgiving land – as there is an obvious plethora of acts that have a ridiculous amount of talent. It is rather a statement of what we choose to dedicated ourselves to. Large audiences fail to get behind the more daring, innovative acts and as such, they die out – ala You Am I.

An act I have just been made aware of through some freak occurance is Van She. Normally I would never pursue a band after knowing that they are Australian (and yes I realise my own hypocrisy, but I have become disillusioned with our music industry). However, I did. They have just released their first LP after what appears to be a good solid 3 years of EPs and a ridiculous amount of remixes of songs by bands from Feist to Muscles.

The debut record, V, is tight. Ridiculously tight. Which might not be such a surprise with such a prolific catalogue of remixes in their pockets and mixing with other Modular signed acts like Cut Copy, Muscles and The Presets. The majority of the sound is of course, this new Modular-ish Sydney synth thing, but in no way determines the direction in which they are going. There is present a healthy presence of heavily distorted guitars (but not messily), grooving bass riffs, and what I must say are infectious vocal harmonies.

Some of the stand out tracks for me are the opener, “Memory Man,” “Strangers,” “The Sea,” “Virgin Suicide,” and “Kelly.” However, I must say that the track listing, played through as a whole has an integrity that make stand outs difficult. There are a number of down tempo tracks, such as “The Sea” that are pulled off very well, and even remind me somewhat of some Scandinavian bands, and Bang Gang (Iceland) in particular. There is also a perhaps naff little head nod towards 10cc’s I’m Not in Love and more generally 80s synthy-love ballads (albeit a little more up tempo in beat). They even get a little My Bloody Valentine-ish in parts – which is always a thumbs up.

But my interest in Van She, other than their genuinely enjoyable music, is a little more academic if you will. They are completely aware of the phenomenon of pop-stardom syndrome, almost in a U2 Pop/Zooropa type of way. Their method of presentation, and even their delivery of music, complete with cheesey riffs, harmonies and electronica pronounces the almost ironic attempts they have at ‘popular’ music. They understand the market and the need for a certain sound at a particular time, (hence the remixes?) and yet they have also attempted to bring a new sound to the cock-rock ridden Australian music industry. Their closing track is a great closer – a nice airy piece to chill out to – but not without its coldplay moments.

For me, and I hope you too, this band is definitely one to keep watching, and in the meantime, get out and see them on their debut record album tour. Dates are on their website: www.vanshe.com

By K.O.