Vienna Ditto - Ticks EP
Following hot on the heels of last year’s debut album Circle, Oxford’s alluring and wicked duo Vienna Ditto have returned with a new EP of material titled Ticks. Comprised of seven enchanted tracks, the band continue to showcase their pop-noir style in whimsical and wistful soundscapes that range from the pop of ‘Ticks’ to the noir of ‘My Way Of Missing You’.
The title track is oddly reminiscent of Gwen Stefani’s ‘What You Waiting For?’ as vocalist Hatty Taylor’s words in a similar fashion. The other half of this creative force is Nigel Firth, reportedly the fuel in the creative tank of the vehicle for which Taylor provides vocal guidance. ‘Frank Account’ is concise track which takes on a new layer of importance following the Panama Papers scandal (damn it Emma Watson), as it weaves its tale of financial deception and social inequality. ‘Motherless Child’ is as sombre as the title would suggest, until an aggressive guitar interrupts the latter stages.
’My Way Of Missing You’ is equally, appropriately downbeat as Taylor’s vocals recall a tale of love lost throughout a flurry of electronic-tinged instrumentation in the band’s usual jazzy psychedelic style. ‘Go Down Moses’ is biblical and angular with an edgy guitar line groove, which provides the perfect precursor to the alluring finale of the EP in the form of ‘Come Back’, a track which glides effortlessly before checking out in an instrumental ruckus.
Further confirming Vienna Ditto’s as a formidable musical outfit, Ticks is an exciting release brimming with creativity and passion. The duo has crafted seven more unique tracks of the highest quality, tinged with their eclectic style, available from repeated consumption. If you like your music a little weird but definitely excellent then perhaps this is the band for you.
