by Giliann Karon (@whoreby_parker)
Viji’s So Vanilla is anything but. The Vienna-born and London-based singer’s LP summons neuroticism and turmoil over hypnotic dance tracks. After releasing her first album on tastemaker label Dirty Hit, she graduated to cult favorite Speedy Wunderground. Her partnership with legendary producer Dan Carey (Fontaines, D.C., Black Midi) illuminates her deeply introspective and often tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
From the soft acoustic guitar on “Blanket” to the bright indie pop on “1850,” Viji’s eclectic blend of genres makes her one of the most exciting artists in the vibrant south London scene. She perfects her raspy snarl, evocative of illuminati hotties and Charly Bliss on “Sharks,” a raucous track made for a sweaty mosh pit. Her vast range lets her explore spite and tenderness, but common themes keep the album cohesive. Even at her most vulnerable, her fuzzy vocal fry keeps each song fresh and cool.
“I just wanna drink martinis,” and “you text me like you love me” she quips on “Karaoke,” a thumping club track brimming with one-liners made for Instagram captions. The structure of the song mirrors the sleazy nights that inspired it – slick hooks spliced with synth breaks that unravel into chaotic shrieks. She succumbs to the all-too-common habit of soothing new crush jitters with drugs and alcohol. It’s a song to both pregame to and ruminate on while sobering up on the train home.
On “Sedative,” she deliberates letting go of someone who’s moved or trying to make things work. Even during a racing call-and-response section, she manages to make each track an alluring cool girl anthem. Each track holds its own, from the melancholy slacker rock found on “Sundress in Pink” to the languid “White Lighter.” There’s no telling what direction she’ll go in next, but there’s no doubt it’ll be groundbreaking.