SCOFFERLANE
‘Veto'
SELF-RELEASED

Upon first listening to ‘Veto' by Russian goth rock quartet Scofferlane, you'd be forgiven for believing this was their tenth album rather than their sophomore effort. The band, now reduced in size from a six-piece, is as focussed and confident as a veteran unit. Not afraid to take chances, they walk a similar line to the likes of The Damned and Bauhaus' early styles but at the same time still find plenty of room to follow Peter Murphy's brand of pop song-writing for a well rounded sound.

Incorporating dissonant post-punk, smooth gothic rock and mind-bending psychedelic sounds as well as good ol' fashioned avant garde song structures the band offer up a varied platter. ‘She Fell' and ‘Harish' bookend the album with the band's best experimental moments, with caterwauling Birthday Party-esque vocals and Daniel Ash style guitar work. Whereas songs like ‘Veto', ‘Rubber Arms', ‘Home' and ‘Ode' provide softer, relaxed tunes with some added bluesy sex appeal. But it is the no-nonsense post-punk of the likes of ‘I Awoke', ‘All Because Of Us' and ‘La Nuit' that really give the album its infectious drive.
The production style is as you'd expect, keeping to the tried and tested (and faultless) ‘Unknown Pleasures' and ‘In The Flat Field' blueprints for a dark and spacey effect, which really suites the rough, anguished vocals.

It is easy to hear the band's drive and focus in every song, with not one sound like it has been included for the sake of it. The album is well rounded and exceedingly well put together for such an underground band. It therefore wouldn't be any surprise if a strong European following were on the cards.

[4/5]