ALBUM REVIEW: Heroics – VASA

Glaswegian instrumental quartet VASA were regulars on the post-rock touring scene for years before releasing acclaimed album Colours in 2015. They’ve taken their time once again in releasing Heroics, released almost half a decade later. Produced by Colours producer Tom Peters (WOT GORILLA?, ALPHA MALE TEA PARTY, CLEFT, BODY HOUND) over three years between touring, the album represents a further maturity and definition of their own particular approach to post-rock.

Structured around three acts each beginning with its own song – Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood – Heroics walks the listener through the early stages of life. A concept so transparent and universal in potential appeal requires both talented musicianship and creative vision to realise with any authenticity.

The album is introduced by Childhood, a song building from a quiet calm to a sparkling simmer through to a stonking riff, all in under two minutes. Title track Heroics is an upbeat, joyous affair that swings from toe-tapping to grooving to chugging. Adolescence, the longest of the three acts is a collection of teen emotions, from the nervous opener to the jittery anger of Mini-Boss and tumultuous Victoria. The final third starts with Adulthood, an expansive, intimidating track before moving onto Expectations, a song that embodies the feeling of constraint. Contemplative closer Settle swells to an emotive crescendo before a cooling, soothing end.

At times angsty, angry, confused and hopeful, VASA steer clear of the self-absorbed melancholy that might be expected of such a concept album – the journey of ageing is brilliantly captured in an expression of relateable reflections. A big sound laced with emotion throughout, Heroics demonstrates the maturity of a band willing to take time to craft their material. Fans are rewarded for their patience with a beautiful piece of work that looks already to be a highlight of the year.

Rating: 9/10

Heroics is out now via Dome A Records. 

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