Voicex plus plus

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy of Voicex plus plus CD. The 8 track CD was given away to anyone pre-ordering tickets for their recent Leith Depot gig . I couldn’t make the gig, but the band had some CDs left that can be purchased by contacting the band/Paul. I think they may be gone now, but I’m sure if there is a demand, more can be produced.

Post-punk supergroup

Voicex are a genuine post-punk supergroup, featuring ex-members of luminaries like the influential and fabled Scars (Paul Research), Boots for Dancing & Gin Goblins (Coco Whitson) and Matt Vinyl & the Decorators (Colin Bendall) and contributions from current Fire Exit guitarist (also of Heavy Drapes, Twisted Nerve and Baby’s Got a Gun) Richie Simpson. Performance poet Suky Goodfellow (also of the band Fistymuffs) is powerful presence in the line-up and making the band a force to be reckoned with.

Plus plus

What of the 8 tracks showcased here? If you already follow the band, three of the tracks will be familiar – Waiting, The Immortals and Never having been released on streaming platforms and as videos prior to now. This is the first time all the tracks have been brought together on a physical release. If you enjoyed those, you won’t be disappointed, the other 5 tracks are of a similar high standard.

I’m not one to like labelling (I just like the music I like), but in realisation that people like to pigeonhole, as I’ve mentioned already post-punk is probably a good description. From recent personal experiences, some may say the band is an acquired taste. For everyone I’ve come across that loves Voicex, I’ve come across someone who doesn’t.

However, I’ve had similar experiences in the past trying to sell my love of other angular, spiky guitar bands such as Josef K and The Fire Engines and they have often been cited as influential (I just watched Josef K’s video for Sorry for Laughing at the Rip it Up exhibition in the National Museum of Scotland this afternoon.) Suky has a keen jagged vocal quality, a distinct voice that suits the sound of the band to a T and gives them their unique sound and edginess.

Accomplished

The musicianship on the album is triumphant and accomplished. Featuring fantastically intricate bass lines and a variety of sweet guitar parts supported by some vociferous drums, the tracks have a variety that keeps the listener engaged while still being instantly recognisable as Voicex.

Complementing the discernible Voicex sound, there are small elements throughout that, to me at least, seem to reference The Velvet Underground’s Sweet Jane, a bit of The Smiths, and 60’s jangle pop that was so loved by many 80’s guitar bands such as The Primitives.

Urbane storytelling

Suky’s background in poetry is evident in the refined urbane storytelling within the lyrics, painting pictures throughout the album. The music for each song takes cognisance of the subject matter and lyrics. Each arrangement is sensitive to the sentiment within the songs. Elements opens proceedings with stabbing electric guitar and a passionate vocal over a driving rhythm. Waiting has more of a sunny 60’s jangly guitar pop feel. Haze follows with a hint of The Smiths Oscillate Wildly in the intro keyboard parts giving the song a dark atmosphere, before it opens up and soars.

Immortal

The Immortals sorrowful atmospherically pleading guitar supported by elegant bass and strident drumming reflects the lyrics perfectly. Fade to Blue is fuzzy garage punk with some fine riffing. Carve Up bemoans nothing ever changing citing corruption, bankers and the like. While penultimate song, Never, builds with another most exquisite bass harmony underpinning the tune. Final track The Poet’s Birthday is a keyboard/synth driven tale of a party not going as expected.

With tracks like this under their belt, the future for Voicex must be as bright as Suky’s striking hair. Make a concerted effort to get hold of this veritable treat, it is well worth your time and money.

Voicex on Facebook