VOWWS, Australian “death pop” duo have two full length studio albums under their belt already 2015’s The Great Sun and 2018’s Under The World so they are by no means the new kids on the block, but having the backing of industry heavy weights like Deftones, A Perfect Circle & Billy Corgan I predict big things for this duo!
With I’ll Fill Your House with an Army, VOWWS deliver a brooding, magnetic collision of post-industrial textures and emotionally charged songwriting. Imagine a head-on collision between Alice In Chains and Gary Numan, and you’re somewhere near the dark, pulsating centre of this record.
Opening with “Bloods On Fire” VOWWS waste no time setting the tone, a meaty electronic hook underpins tight vocal harmonies, while a synth-laden bridge adds depth and urgency. It’s a punchy introduction to their sonic palette: industrial, infectious, and wholly immersive.
Their latest single, “Shudder” featuring Munky (Korn) and Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle), is an immediate standout. The chorus crashes in with devastating impact, elevated by Rizz’s soaring vocal performance. Every note serves a purpose, the verses are spare and hypnotic, with a synth hook that’s simple yet devastatingly effective. This track doesn’t just play; it commands attention.
“Pulls Me Apart” continues the momentum with introspective lyrics and ghostly vocal interplay between Rizz and Matt, embracing a distinct ’80s aura but re-contextualized with a modern, gothic sheen. Similarly, “Silhouette” flirts with punk energy, featuring a bouncy bassline and muted, almost whispered vocals before a unifying synth bridge ties it all back into their unmistakable aesthetic.
The duo tap into Depeche Mode-esque territory on “Hurt You” a slower yet deeply affecting track that gives the album room to breathe, think Enjoy the Silence reimagined for a new generation. That delicate balance between restraint and release is key to their power.
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“Re-Animator” surprises with an almost upbeat chorus, adding a spark of optimism to their shadow-drenched world. “Casualty” counters this with menace and angst, showcasing their ability to build tension and release without ever wasting a moment.
The album’s second half is where the real magic lies. “Harder to Pretend” opens almost acoustically before giving way to haunting synths and the ever-transfixing voice of Rizz. “I Never Left” continues the album’s central theme — haunting, heartfelt, and honest, it’s a reminder that this duo isn’t just making music; they’re telling stories that demand to be heard.
“One Short” plays like a stripped confession — clean vocals and acoustic textures create a poignant contrast, until the synths return like a wave, washing over the listener in a deeply satisfying moment of cohesion. It’s one of the album’s best. Closing with “Waterline” VOWWS perfectly seal the atmosphere they’ve spent 11 tracks crafting: cinematic, evocative, and deeply human.
If you’re drawn to the drama and synth-soaked beauty of the ’80s New Romantic era, but crave a darker, heavier twist, I’ll Fill Your House with an Army is essential listening. VOWWS lean heavily into nostalgia without ever sounding derivative — their music is forward-thinking, full of tension and texture, with songwriting that speaks volumes beneath the synth and distortion.
While the album is front-loaded with hard-hitting moments, it’s in the latter half that the emotional depth truly shines. Whether that says something about the band’s dynamic range or my own maturing musical palette… I’ll let you decide.
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I’ll Fill Your House with an Army is out on October 24th via Out Of Line Music
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