ALBUM REVIEW: The Loop – Volkor X

VOLKOR X, the anonymous, ominous post-synthwave artist is no stranger to writing prolific, expansive albums, but with the upcoming album The Loop set to hit release platforms (and merch stores, hint hint) worldwide, we might just be about to hear their most accomplished yet. In previous releases the concept has been well established in that VOLKOR X himself, the masked antagonist, is dead set on conquering earth. This latest venture acts as a prequel, flicking back the pages of history and unveiling the beginning of the story, as he claims his first victim.

The story is largely told through interludes which nestle between each track, featuring voice over work from Canadian actress Becky  Shrimpton who acts as the lead character Syd, along with her AI companion. Exploring deeply rooted sci-fi concepts, the dialogue unravels neatly throughout the album, and although it culminates in a runtime of 74 minutes, the pacing is precise and cinematic, never leading us to lose interest in the plot, always keeping us eager for the next chapter of storytelling. The track / interlude / track / interlude format works impeccably for telling a story of this nature, and allows our minds to craft our own imagery during the musical sections, before being drawn back into an intricately designed story when called upon.

Sonically too the scope is much larger than previous releases. This now feels like a fully fledged post-rock record just as much as it ventures into the surreal world of science fiction infused synthwave. Each track is expansive, inventive and easily distinguishable from the last. The instruments feel alive; guitars soar, the drums thunder and the synths glide throughout the album, capturing the essence of open space and interplanetary travel. It’s music evocative of the likes of IF THESE TREES COULD TALK or CASPIAN, large in concept and concise in deployment.

Tracks like Adrift and One With The Void really stand out, and of course the eponymous closer The Loop pulls together the best of best of everything and closes the album emphatically. In all, this album is a huge step forward for VOLKOR X both as a musician and a concept, and continues to place down solid footing for future releases. Although few would argue this is probably the most accomplished album released to date, it slots neatly into the timeline and warrants first listens or relistens of both This Means War and This Is Our Planet Now – previous releases, but sequels in this spellbinding chronology.

Rating: 8/10

The Loop is set for release on October 20th via self-release.

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