Viscula are a rock band who have featured a couple of times before on the blog. Formed in Lutsk, Ukraine twenty years ago, they are now globetrotters, spending time recording in places such as China, USA and here in Britain. Their EP We Are One Body was originally recorded in 2017 during their America phase, but has only found its way to release last month.
By Graeme Smith
Previously shared single Dance Cannot Be Killed features on this mini-EP, so if you gave that a listen you’ll be somewhat armed with what to expect. Here it rounds off the collection, with title track We Are One Body setting the scene and Ask Me Why nestled between the two.
Alongside the regular line-up, this EP features Dan Konopka of OK Go fame on production and drums. If you’re familiar with OK Go’s work, then you’ll know that he brings a sense of quirkiness and originality to the recordings. Natalie Kirch of Sharkmuffin was also involved in putting the EP together, bringing her own offbeat, punk energy.
All that combines to a fresh and original collection that is difficult to pigeon-hole. We Are One Body is a light and romantic opener, a far cry from the jazzy rock energy of previously shared album IV. In many ways it’s a straightforward pop rock ballad, but there’s a slightly ironic undertone about it and folky elements float in and out. It’s a great start.
Ask Me Why brings a bluesy rock energy to proceedings. You really get the American influences in there, from the ’90s grunge scene to the honky-tonk of the Deep South. The vocals are soaring in contrast to the low down dirtiness of the instrumentals. Dance Cannot Be Killed then rounds things off in a bright and upbeat fashion. It also veers more into a classic rock sound, with a healthy dose of prog thrown in too.
Though only three tracks long, We Are On Body has so much packed into it. There’s such a range of genres on show, and a depth to each track that demands multiple listens. It’s great that these recordings are having a new light shone on them and it’s more evidence of the powerful uniqueness of the Viscula sound. You can listen to the whole EP below.
