Label: Cult Records
By Luke Furlonger- Copeland
A new release from experimental rock quartet The Voidz has seemingly materialised from an inter-galactic realm. Stylised as ‘MĘĞŻ ØF RÅM‘, the new four track EP sees the band fully indulge in a sci-fi synth focused sound. Whilst 2024’s ‘Like All Before You‘ flirted with a notably more synthetic sound palette than previous releases, ‘MĘĞŻ ØF RÅM‘ represents a full-on olympic dive into this sonic landscape – all be it a brief one. With its nostalgic imagery of late 90s Windows memorabilia, ‘MĘĞŻ ØF RÅM‘ is primed to take you on a fever dream of evocative sounds and harmonies.
‘Unholy Lover’ successfully sets a bright and digital tone with warm walls of synths that progressively layer the track. This is strengthened by the entry of Julian Casablancas’s vocals, for which the synthetic effects are tastefully incorporated and pair well with Alex Carapetis’s electronic percussion. The track has a synth-wave feel that creates a relatively cosy atmosphere, brandishing it a mere prelude to the highlight of the EP ‘Blue Demon’.
Featuring its razor sharp and brooding synths that open the track, ‘Blue Demon’ represents a much darker turn in the EP’s overall tone. Despite this, it is every bit as bouncy and addictive as previous bangers from THE VOIDZ. In under 4 minutes, it boasts an unconventional song structure, contrasting sections, and pushes Chris Tabron’s incredible production to the forefront. Of Die Antwoord and Beyonce fame, Tabron does well to weave the twists and turns of the EP’s overall tone.
We hear this again with ‘Russian Coney Island’, which despite its elaborate title, is a comparatively easier listen. Amir Yaghami really shines here with tasteful slabs of clean guitar that are well incorporated into the mix, as well as a melodic guitar solo that does well to highlight the chord changes. It’s also interesting to hear Tabron’s production go in a more orchestral direction as the track progresses.
This continues with the closing track ‘Drifto’, which once again represents a darker shift in the track list. ‘Drifto’ however slows things down and is overall more reflective and melancholic. At its core it is an evocative chord progression that enhances its eerie vibe, and helps to add a nice ebb and flow of intensities and dynamics to the songs structure.
‘MĘĞŻ ØF RÅM‘ presents us with four tracks that are aesthetically distinct from one another, but maintains a sense of unity with its increased synthetic tone and sci-fi aesthetic. Despite its short length as an EP, ‘MĘĞŻ ØF RÅM‘ solidifies itself as a unique listening experience amongst The Voidz’s catalogue, and marks itself as an important turning point in the band’s evolution.
Listen to ‘MĘĞŻ ØF RÅM‘ here: