VHS PANTY RIOT may have something of a unique moniker (to put it lightly), but the enigmatic one-man producer behind this musical madness actually seems to be a genius of some sort, if new EP KISS KISS CUT CUT is anything to go by.
By Jane Howkins
KISS KISS CUT CUT is based upon a pretty bold premise too, with each track on the EP acting as the soundtrack to an ’80s movie slasher. It should be said that there are no lyrics here, but that’s not an issue, as the melodies on each song more than make up for the lack of vocals. Bold indeed, but does it work? Well, for the most part the answer is a resounding yes, so please don’t write VHS PANTY RIOT off over these eccentricities (it’s actually nice to have something a little different to listen to anyway).
You’re Pretty When You Panic opens the EP up with that classic John Carpenter sound, setting the tension high from the beginning. The tune is built on a series of eerie, atmospheric intro synths that are highly reminiscent of sci-fi horror flicks, alongside a pounding beat and layers of swirling synth movements. It’s a great start and one that delivers perfectly.
I Smile You Scream keeps the adrenaline and tension punching throughout, pushing deeper into the worlds of darksynth and electronic-rock. It’s pretty industrial sounding at times too, featuring a set of heavy, grinding synth riffs that somehow manage to simulate the crunch of an aggressive electric guitar.
Heaven Sent Me a Psycho takes things in a completely different direction, starting out with a quiet, gothic atmosphere that soon shifts into a maze of intricate yet menacing synthlines. Throbbing basslines and ominous synth arpeggios are the name of the game here, laying down a dark foundation before the sweeping synths creep in back in again later.
Title track KISS KISS CUT CUT is up next, acting almost as the explosive heart of the record. The beat and riffs are sharp and brutally rhythmic, keeping everything perfectly in time as it relentlessly attacks your ears (in a good way!) It’s almost infectious in a sense, making for one darn catchy tune.
Finally, we have Getaways Look Good on You, which brings KISS KISS CUT CUT to a dramatic and narrative end. It’s not too different from what came before if we’re being totally honest, but VHS PANTY RIOT does have a certain knack for balancing soaring melody lines with driving synthwave rhythms and beats. As the track finally comes to an end, it leaves you wondering whether the main characters survived the horror or not!
With KISS KISS CUT CUT, VHS PANTY RIOT has delivered one of the most confident darksynth debuts that I’ve heard in recent times, which is high praise indeed. The cinematic horror concept may not be for everyone, but it does evoke a certain nostalgia, mixing the old with the new in a cool way. This is an absolute must-listen for any fans of synthwave, darkwave and 80s horror film scores.
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