Viet Cong
Viet Cong (Jagjaguwar/Flemish Eye)
Many people describe Viet Cong as deeply indebted to Women, the beloved former band of Viet Cong members Matt Flegel and Mike Wallace. While it would be just to emphasize the influence of their former work, Viet Cong have come crashing down to earth with their much anticipated debut like an army of resilient warriors, breaking down all expectations with their measured pandemonium.
The seven songs found on Viet Cong were written while touring their 2014 EP Cassette, and contain all the highs, lows and instrumental nuances that can only be achieved by road-testing new music. Opening track "Newspaper Spoons" explodes into your inner ear with the dissonant chanting of “Writhing, violence, essentially without distortion”, quickly followed by militant, maddening chaos. “Continental Shelf”, perhaps the most poppy track on Viet Cong, comes at you with a menacing wall of sound, like Phil Spector in the gutter.
In a press release, Matt Flegel gives props to the “shit earth” of his hometown Calgary for the stark and cold production. But there is still warmth to be found in this album; a heat that emanates from a band who play for today in case tomorrow never comes.
Rating: ★★★★★
