ALBUM REVIEW: Fast Lane – Vulvarine
Austrian rock n rollers, VULVARINE, have put out their second record Fast Lane. This album marks the first release under Napalm Records for the quartet, and continues on their loud statement since their formation in 2019 of being a representation of women in rock and their creation of their self-dubbed genre of ‘vulvarock’. Their sound is heavily inspired by the likes of THE RUNAWAYS and THE DONNAS, and combines the likes of rock n roll, metal, punk and blues, bought together by their natural high energy and chemistry.
From start to finish, Fast Lane, as the name suggests, takes you for a ride that is mostly filled with natural highs and feel-good moments that will make you happy and view life in a more empowering, positive attitude. Opening track, The Drugs, The Love, And The Pain, sets the stage with no time wasted with VULVARINE kicking off into a fast, energetic rhythm that feels as nostalgic as it is modern. In short, it feels timeless in that it could have been released in the 80s, it could have been released this year, but regardless anyone can enjoy the song with its catchy, anthemic lyrics that you’ll find yourself singing along to be the end of the first chorus, stellar vocals, and fantastic guitar riffs.
With each song on this album, whether it’s something of the bouncy punk variety like in Heads Held High, or something more blues focused such as in Alright Tonight, or even slower and more of the folk-rock variety in concluding track She’ll Come Around, complete with the embers of a campfire that sets the scene of a friendly singalong, what brings it all together is the vocals of frontwoman Suzy Q. Suzy’s voice is something of a modern treasure in itself where she’s able to make you feel empowered in the sense you want to happily singalong during tracks like Ancient Soul, a classic rock n roll track that would be perfect to sing, or rather shout, along to on a road trip with friends.
Yet at the same time she’s able to have you in the palm of her hand, whether in awed silence as she slowly draws you in during the effortlessly cool Fool, or moments where you can imagine her captivating a live audience, such as in Dark Red where there’s a particular section you can imagine her leading a sea of claps followed by an enthusiastic response as she sings the line, “I wanna hear you call my name, sing it!”
And if that hasn’t interested you, then there’s a cover of MODERN TALKING’s Cheri Cheri Lady featuring the vocals of THUNDERMOTHER’s Filippa Nässil. A future staple in the world of modern rock music where VULVARINE and their music will become highly influential for many rock n roll bands to come in future years. What’s not to love about this high energy record?
Rating: 7/10
Fast Lane is out now via Napalm Records.
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