The music of Ex-Vöid pulls in a lot of things. And any indie fan is likely to enjoy In Love Again, the group's newest record on Tapete. For those who are still not yet converted, it's worth reminding again that this group features Lan McArdle of Slumberland Records faves Joanna Gruesome and Scott Williams of Trouble in Mind Records rockers The Tubs.
The blending of the styles of those two acts is most notable on tracks like "Swansea", or the chiming title cut. At their best, like on the more melodically languid "Nightmare", a listener can hear a faint echo of The Mekons. That sort of surging loveliness is heard best on "Strange Insinuation", a clear highlight of In Love Again. The show's not all that of McArdle and Williams as Laurie Foster (bass) and George Rothman (drums) give even the prettiest hook a real punch.
In Love Again is a fine record, and one which reminds us again how nimble this form remains. Less chiming than offerings by their peers, there's a lot to love in the Ex-Vöid approach. This is an album full of smart hooks, and a nimble sense of tension. With vocals that are winsome like these, and riffs that recall those of The Tubs (naturally), there's so much to enjoy here. Ex-Vöid don't exactly sound like the bands I've referenced, but it's for that reason that I recommend this record very highly. Sometimes you just need to hear folks pushing at the edges of expectation a bit.
In Love Again by Ex-Vöid is out now on Tapete.
[Photo: Jody Evans]