Not only Hitchhiker's are welcome
Album facts
Release Date: March 3rd, 2023
Label: Self released
Tags: Synth Pop, Vogon Poetry
Discogs: Vogon Poetry – The Guide
Partially sounds like: S. P. O. C. K., Bodies without Organs
Final score: 3.2 stars
It's been three years since Vogon Poetry's last full length album 'Deep Thought' came out. Since then, five singles (Atomic Skies, The Forbidden Land, Milliways, Gargle Blaster and Time) have been released to whet our appetite for yet more musical adventures in time and space. Even though Milliways is the only one which is not included on the new album, the singles have given us a good indication of the direction in which this particular sonic adventure is headed.
'The Guide' brings you Vogon Poetry's fifth album and as expected the swedes beam some serious Sci Fi – inspired fun out of the speakers. They may not re-invent the Warp Drive, but if like me, you are a bit of a Sci Fi geek and a fan of slightly old-fashioned (in a good way!) synth pop, then chances are that you will enjoy this offering.
Things to look forward to on this release include the bands first collaboration with another band, Social Ambitions, a duet, songs in Swedish, catchy melodies, throwbacks to the 80s and overall nerdiness. Is it an album about life, the universe and everything like the band claims? Best listen and make up your own mind.
Sci Fi Pop, Epic Soundscapes and Some Fun
We start of with a mysterious track called 'Rociante', which is best described as an instrumental with a ton of movie samples. It has a slightly ominous feel to it and keeps the listener guessing at what is to come.
'Atomic Skies' for me is the first highlight of the album. It's a danceable, fun, uplifting song, with a driving beat. I image it would go down very well live. Its lyrics describe a post apocalyptic landscape of a devastated Earth and the title more than hints at the cause of that destruction.
You don't want a suntan, honey
Underneath atomic skies.
Lyrics from 'Atomic Skies' by Vogon Poetry
'Time' is an upbeat song, which brings with it a slight 90s vibe with its dance pop sound and house piano. It sounds like something BWO (Bodies without Organs) could have recorded, only less over the top. Still it is rooted in the classic electronic pop sound, which fans will no doubt appreciate.
'Dom De Ar' is sung in Swedish, so naturally I have no idea what it's about. Sadly, this song is not my cup of tea. It meanders on, rather uneventfully. It might make it onto a Slow Dance Playlist for a school party, though.
Remembering the 80s: Space Lizards
We move to mid-tempo with 'Visitors', which offers more sci-fi references in the Form of samples from the 1980's TV show The Visitors and a solid tune.
'Gargle Blaster' is a celebration of an intergalactic drink mentioned in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's a party song, slightly mental and catchy. Best appreciated with a drink or two of your choice. Cheers! Or as the band themselves put it: "The best drink in existence is the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, the effect of which is like having your brains smashed out with a slice of lemon wrapped around a large gold brick."
'The Forbidden Land' starts with distorted synth sounds, soon joined by a piano melody, John's unmistakable vocals and an insistent beat. Quite dark and melon only, it's a good tune, but I feel it would benefit from a little more variation. The chorus could be more dramatic. The way it is, the song is nice but not instantly memorable.
'Jag ViII' is dominated by a synth piano melody and the excellent vocals. It's a ballad for space traveller's – at least in my mind. Maybe the cool beeping and chirping sounds that pop up every now and then are to blame for that impression. It is a fairly mellow affair but it's a nice breather before the grand finale.
'Colours', the last song of the album is my second highlight. Vogon Poetry's first ever duet is a sweet love song, which starts slow and builds towards a rather grand finish. Marita Darelius additional vocals add a nice extra flavour and blend in well with John's vocals.
Your smile, you paint my morning.
You ignite me without warning.
Lyrics from 'Colours' by Vogon Poetry
If you still cannot get enough, the Bandcamp digital download version of the album includes two bonus tracks, both remixes. They are: Atomic Skies (Piston Damp Remix), and Time (Mystic Experience Remix).
Verdict
After listening to 'The Guide' a handful of times over the last couple of days, my conclusion is that it is a nice enough album, one which is fun to listen to. It does not contain any big surprises sound-wise, but it gives the listener decent tunes, some cool sounds, unavoidable Sci Fi samples and a feel good vibe. If you need something to cheer you up and like your tunes a touch old-fashioned, then give 'The Guide' a go.
Track by track rating for: Vogon Poetry – The Guide
