The new album from Detroit-based duo Vazum, Western Violence delivers a fierce blend of post-punk and dark alt-rock invigoration. Lyrical references to freedoms being taken, swelling animosity, and societal discontent show throughout, depicting contemporary America’s tumult-filled landscape. As such, the release’s description is fitting: “a manifesto for the disillusioned, a rallying cry for the restless souls seeking truth in the midst of the madness.”
Manipulation, mind control, and security breaches are amongst the anxiety-inducing elements invoked on “Breach,” where straightforward vocal cautions enthrall amidst a post-punk rhythmic pulse. Both vocalists converge for a chilling mid-point, bemoaning a lack of control; it’s another thorough success on an album full of many.
“Get Out” is another highlight, reminding fondly of early Manic Street Preachers in the exulting title-referencing chorus; the drive from post-punk intrigue to anthemic rock sweltering showcases the project’s seamless structural ingenuity. A heavier rock sound impresses on the distortion-heavy venom of “Exile,” while “Precious Ones” concludes the release with a hypnotic, snarling refrain — holding close “the precious ones.” Western Violence is a stylish, thematically poignant hard-rocking success from Vazum.
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“Western Violence” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
