Following in a similar sonic vein as some of my favorite artists – The Bunnymen, Teardrop Explodes, The Icicle Works, and my hometown heroes, the mighty XTC, it is hardly surprising that I fell hard for this latest single from Vernons Future. But there is a good reason for that. Vernon’s Future may be a more recently convened outfit, but they are essentially a modern iteration of The Vernons, who probably stalked, swaggered, and strode around the same stages of the UK circuit as the above-mentioned bands from the 80s onwards and so who already feel as if they are somewhere in my old vinyl collection. (Sadly, they are not, I just checked.)
But, essentially, you get the best of both worlds. A band who cut their teeth in the post-punk and indie band-dominated years of yore but whose second chapter reincarnation allows them to move with the times expertly. And “Call To Arms” sees them doing just that. It is familiar enough to those whose formative years match their own yet fresh enough that they can appeal to a whole new audience too.
Aquaplaning, the album for which this short, sharp, and shockingly excellent single acts as an advance guard and taster, is a collection of the last few years’ single releases. And if the rest of the album lives up to this first taste and maintains its deft blend of indie moves and unashamed pop grooves, then it will be a bit special. I may have missed The Vernons first time (well, there is only so much time you can dedicate to watching bands and spinning discs), but I’m pretty sure I will make up for lost ground from now on.
Album order / Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Holy Joe
Spotify
LinkTree
