“My body burns like coal when will I find the answers?“
There’s something about MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN and Vukovi’s story over the past decade plus that feels deeply intertwined within the UK’s alternative scene. In their rough-and-ready self-titled era, Vukovi put in the hard graft of touring venues small and large across the country, continuing when they released the excellent Fall Better. This era’s bombastic, pop-infused post-hardcore sound was infectious while also remaining deeply personal, rooted in Janine Shilstone‘s passionate vocal performances.
All this put down the groundwork for what would be Vukovi‘s finest work on NULA. The sci-fi opus oozed with swagger and contained some of Vukovi‘s best hooks, while bringing topics of mental health and feminism to the forefront on tracks such as “I EXIST” and “XX“. It took Vukovi to much deserved heights, seeing them sell out the likes of the Electric Ballroom in London. Reaching their highest point with NULA and perfecting their sound, the choice of where to next set course can be a tricky one. With two singles to bridge into the new chapter of Vukovi, MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN soon revealed itself, in which Vukovi plunders a sound that seeks something more authentic: blunter and audibly DIY, albeit with mixed results.
As MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN moves beyond its brief opener “THIS IS MY LIFE AND MY TRAUMA” into “GUNGHO” and its title track, it is evident that this is a stripped back version of Vukovi. Gone are electronic synths and voice overlays commanding their way through the tracks. There’s further focus on the vocal performances with drum grooves finding their way into the foreground. The title track focuses on themes of depression in a manner that can’t be ignored through upfront lyricism, ensuring the message is heard. Later on tracks “SNO” and “KITTY” touch on similar themes, with the former being noteworthily grand, including topics of unrequited love and self-loathing, with “FUC KIT UP” touching on femininity.
Endearing vulnerability and exceptional vocal performances have been the core of Vukovi’s appeal for many years – this core remains intact on MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN. But during their navigation towards something new, the magic and potency has waned. The lead issue is that the production here is nothing short of a step down. Whether intentional or not, this change has limited Vukovi’s sound; you would never have called them “drab” until now. From the outset on tracks such as “GUNGHO“, the drums hit the ear in a flat manner, removing that extra flair from the tracks they had previously added. On heavier moments, especially on “PEEL”, the guitars sound overly squeaky, making for a rather unenjoyable listen. On paper it’s an ambitious un-plugging from NULA‘s technicolour world, but it’s unclear what, if anything, we’ve been plugged back into.
While their songwriting does have standout moments that comes through on the likes of “Fallen Beyond”, “Misty Ecstasy” and “SNO”, they have tweaked their sound towards something approaching avant-garde. This leaves a majority of tracks lacking in highs or impact, especially where Vukovi’s heavier side no longer feels indulgent, such as on “SNO”. I have no doubt that the unit will figure out how to capture again in this new style, yet for now on MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN, it seems absent for good chunks of the record.
As a whole this record does hold its own, and many will still find much to either relate to emotionally or enjoy musically. The way Vukovi narrate the dark places that so many of us have been to is more than admirable – it’s essential, succinct and honest, unlike the approach of many other acts. And while they could have stuck to what they knew, they instead chose to try something different. Commendable, but it is just unfortunate that the production and songwriting of MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN doesn’t compliment or enhance many aspects of Vukovi’s core sound, leaving it feeling a lesser version than what we know it to be. A first step and a stumble are often synonymous in an artist’s new chapter, and we have little doubt that the duo will be able to course correct, and that they remain an exciting act in the UK’s alternative scene.
5.5/10
MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN releases through Sharptone Records on the 24th January and can be pre-ordered here.