29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

VÏKÆ - EP Review: Finelines

16 Sep 2020 // A review by Madeleine Howard
Ukrainian born, now Auckland based pop artist VïKÆ has arrived with her debut EP Finelines, released on the 4th of September.


Finelines
is the result of a fierce partnership between VïKÆ, real name Veronika Bell and Abigail Knudson Missy. The end product is a highly polished, electro-pop masterpiece that proves that VïKÆ is a force to be reckoned with.

With a background in classical music, VïKÆ studied a Bachelor of Music at Otago University in classical voice, before making the switch to contemporary voice. The classical influence is evident in the grand, orchestral like soundscapes in Finelines.

We begin with opening track #fakefriends, a big sounding pop tune that starts the six track EP off with a bang. VïKÆ’s childlike, almost mocking vocals are reminiscent of early Marina and the Diamonds. A definite highlight of the EP, #fakefriends is the perfect introduction to this talented artist.

Next up is Truth, the lead single originally released in September 2019. A confronting and haunting track, Truth sees VïKÆ give a raw and emotional delivery about her personal struggles with mental health. The pre-chorus is catchy and does exactly what a pre-chorus should do, makes way for a head bopping chorus. The track is short and sweet and almost comes to an abrupt end, leaving the listener wanting more. I would be interested to know what the track would have been like had it followed a traditional pop song formula with a bridge before a final chorus.

Radio friendly, second single Rumours is next. Beautiful harmonies make way for a soaring, sing-along chorus. VïKÆ does the same thing she’s done with Truth and keeps the track to the 2.30 mark with no bridge in sight. However, the result is still a euphoric, uplifting track.

Fourth track Virus is a slower track but one that still packs a punch when it moves out of its half time tempo in the chorus. Fifth track Landmine showcases VïKÆ’s impressive vocal range.

The EP finishes with title track Finelines. The perfect conclusion to the EP and another highlight, Finelines is a bass heavy bop, which touches on the binge drinking culture in New Zealand and toxic friendships. VïKÆ’s breathy vocals in the verses lead into a bold chorus which paints a picture of the chaos that can be a night on the town.

Finelines proves that VïKÆ is definitely one to keep an eye on as she makes her mark on the New Zealand music scene. There is something new to be discovered nearly every time you listen to each track, with layers of noise hidden beneath the big sounding production. VïKÆ’s hands on, DIY approach to her music, artistry and image has resulted in something truly unique. VïKÆ will be supporting the EP with her first New Zealand tour alongside pop artist PRINS, with shows in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Ohakune in the coming weeks. If her live shows are anything like her EP, then audiences are sure to be in for a treat.
Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About VÏKÆ

Originally born in Ukraine and seeking refuge in New Zealand post Chernobyl; classically trained musician VïKÆ has done a full 360 dance through the music-sphere. Originally training as an opera singer, VïKÆ switched genres when she felt the need to create art that provokes thoughts, is catchy, exciting and fresh. Finishing her Bachelor of Music (Performance Voice) from the University of Otago (2016) VÏKÆ has finally landed where she describes as feeling ‘most at home’. Personal experiences provide a voice for the voiceless and an homage to the underdogs. Breaking stigmas to showcase the true magic behind closed doors for those living with disabilities and those who suffer from mental health, VÏKÆ is not shy about her was diagnosis with bipolar; saying “being creative is a great form of healing”. VÏKÆ lathers her songs in silvery and powerful vocals and her lyricism is raw, clever and a little peculiar. Taking inspiration from Taylor Swift, Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald and traditional Ukrainian instruments, VÏKÆ is certainly one to watch.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for VÏKÆ

Releases

Love Games Deluxe
Year: 2023
Type: Album
Love Games
Year: 2022
Type: EP
Finelines
Year: 2020
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Madeleine Howard

Speech Act Theory - EP Review: Speech Act Theory
18 Oct 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Auckland based alt-electronica project Speech Act Theory released their debut self-titled EP on the 29th of September. Founded in 2019, Speech Act Theory is the brain child of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Pete Hickman.
Read More...
James Constable - Album Review: Interesting Times
20 Jul 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Otautahi indie singer-songwriter James Constable released his second album Interesting Times on the 16th of June. This ten track album follows on from the 19 years old’s debut Tui, which I had the pleasure of reviewing when it was released in 2021.
Read More...
Citris iNK - Single Review: Last Night Replay
27 Jun 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
RnB, Neo-soul duo Citris iNK released their second single Last Night Replay on the 9th of June.The duo comprises of Auckland born multi-instrumentalist Nick Taylor and South African singer-songwriter Kristin Paulse.
Read More...
The Flow Collective - Single Review: Final Whistle
25 May 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Whanganui based band The Flow Collective launch their latest single Final Whistle today, Friday 26th May. The group released their debut album Flow last year, a collection of compositions by lead vocalist and pianist Elizabeth de Vegt, with lyrics taken from the poems of Airini Beautrais' collection Flow: Whanganui River Poems.
Read More...
Phoebe Vic - EP Review: Strange Rituals
05 May 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Otautahi pop artist Phoebe Vic launches her EP Strange Rituals today, 5th May. The follow up project to her 2015 EP Hunter, Strange Rituals sees Phoebe Vic come into her own with a quartet of highly polished electro pop tunes.
Read More...
tei. - Single Review: Primal
02 May 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Tamaki Makaurau alternative RnB artist tei. released her new single Primal on the 21st of April.
Read More...
Valere - Single/Video Review: Stuck In My Head
29 Mar 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Otautahi bedroom pop artist Valere released her latest single Stuck in My Head on the 16th of March.An International Songwriting Competition semi-finalist and APRA Songhubs Sphere alum, Valere's debut album Colours, released in 2020, gained her air play on ZM, Base FM and Spotify playlists such as The Local List NZ.
Read More...
Eve Kelly - Single Review: Mr Big Shot
10 Mar 2023 // by Madeleine Howard
Whakatane based singer-songwriter (Eve Kelly) released her single Mr Big Shot on February 24th.Following on from her previous singles Gotta Let Go and Dance With Me, both released in the final months of 2022, Mr Big Shot adds another layer to this up and coming artist's repertoire, proving that Eve has a talent for writing songs that are a blend of genres, including funk, RnB, gospel, and adult contemporary.
Read More...
View All Articles By Madeleine Howard

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem