London-based Ukrainian band Viscula are becoming like old friends to this blog. They first hit my radar in 2021 thanks to their wonderfully experimental album IV and since then I’ve shared their music at every opportunity, and even interviewed them earlier this year. Their latest release was originally recorded in 2015 but is finally reaching its audience. It’s called Never Be The Same.

By Graeme Smith

Viscula are a band who have seen the world and Never Been The Same was put together in China. It was recorded and mixed in Xiamen by Ivan Guy Zerna before being mastered in Beijing by LinXyan Lv (Life Awaits). During their time in the country, Viscula also managed to get lots of gigging done, performing in twelve provinces altogether.

The EP features Margarita Kardash on vocals, Vitali Malyshko on guitar and Roman Slobodianuk on accordion. Spark Florin and Recheal Castillo perform backing vocals and we get contributions from DJ Dubmenext too.

Sound-wise, the EP is quite different from what we’ve shared of Viscula before. Less rocky and experimental, Never Be The Same is emotive pop. It starts with its title track, where Margarita’s vocals are instantly arresting, performed against a backdrop of laidback bass and jazzy keys. Licks of accordion give it a nostalgic and distinctive edge.

Message To Nowhere is stripped-back and percussive. It’s less than two minutes long but gives us some lively acoustic indie folk that proves a highlight. I’ve featured When I Go To Find You on this blog before and it sits nicely on the EP bringing with its ’90s dance sensibilities. Forever Young rounds off the EP with bouncy indie pop rock and surprise spoken word.

Viscula are a multi-faceted band whose sound is so broad that they’re bound to offer anyone something that they’ll love. I continue to be a fan, and look forward to discovering what they release next, old or new.

You can give Never Be The Same a listen below.