Since releasing their debut album, “Figure”, in 2017, Icelandic Dream Pop outfit Vök have been nearly unstoppable. Fronted by queer vocalist Margrét Ran, Vök have stunned tastemakers the world over with their brilliantly crafted tunes and unforgettable vibe. Beyond landing support from coveted outlets like Noisey, Consequence of Sound and the New York Times, Vök were recognized last year at the Icelandic Music Awards when they won album of the year for their debut project.
Now fresh on the heels of a recent run of shows including their US debut, Vök have recently unleashed their highly-anticipated sophomore effort, “In the Dark”. Leading up to the album launch, the trio released a number of singles, including a HypeMachine #1, that had (combined) been streamed over 2M times prior to the albums street date. The eleven track project was written by Margrét Rán and Einar Stef in collaboration with UK producer James Earp (Bipolar Sunshine, Fickle Friends, Lewis Capaldi) and was for the most part recorded in Rán’s home studio in Reykjavík.
To accompany the albums launch, Vök also dropped the official video for their single, “Erase You”, which serves as one of the projects moodiest tunes. In signature Vök fashion, the tune features minimal yet lush production while Margrét Ran sits front and center. Deep and funky basslines play in unison with subtle synthesizers while a muted kick and intriguing percussive elements set the rhythm. Thanks to a thick snare and some added harmonics, the hook picks up the energy just enough invoke a foot tap and a shoulder shake while Margrét Ran’s hypnotic vocals continue to steal the show.
The beautifully dreamy single brings a retro appeal thanks to the underlying groove and nostalgic soundscape and sits perfectly amongst the other tracks on the album. About the single, Margrét Ran says, “‘Erase you’ is a song about a person who pushed me off the edge to a point when all I wanted to do was to erase them from my life, the lyrics are a bit naive but really straight forward which was the intention.”
With all of the support and accolades Vök have been able to garner since their launch. I have no doubt they are well on their way to making some major, worldwide waves. While their new album may just be another step for the buzzing group, there is no doubt that it has helped to cement Vök as an artist to watch in 2019. Do yourself a favor and give this project a listen. Prepare to be feeling some type of way.
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