Vukovi – ‘NULA’ [Album Review]

Scottish duo Janine Shilstone and Hamish Reilly, aka Vukovi, have been whipping up a tornado-like storm for a few years now, but in the last eighteen months, it feels like the magnitude of the storm has cranked up a few levels and, with the release of their third album, NULA, the punk/rock/pop duo are ready to leave a trail of destruction the likes of which have not been seen across the UK in quite a while.

A concept album charting the journey of the character Nula in a distant, far-off, Sci-fi world, the album fizzes with electricity as Vukovi’s delicious blend of pop, nu-metal and electro-rock melts together to create an absolutely sizzling end result. The dramatic “DEPARTURE” intros the tale before the record punches straight into “TAINTED” with a hulking great blast of guitars. Epitomizing the rest of the album, NULA swoops from almost dreamy passages to snotty modern punk to wave after wave of pristine electro-rock. The aggression of “LASSO” smashes out of the starting blocks with a sneer on its face and an almost boundless energy. Music like this is built for arenas, but in the case of Vukovi, should they reach those heady heights, there will be nothing but a pile of rubble left in their wake.

However, underneath the punky guitars and the snarling attitude beats the heart of a pair of songwriters who love to write nothing more than a song with a big-sounding chorus. “QUENCH,” “I EXIST,” and “TAINTED” are all built around pop melodies that simply don’t let go. Further to that, there are moments throughout the album where the duo takes the album down a more melodic path. Not to say that isn’t packed with the kind of energy which fuels the biggest chunk of NULA but tracks like “HURT” and “SAD” see a gentler, more emotionally-fraught side to Vukovi with stunning performances on both tracks from Shilstone in particular.

Steeped in darkness, pulsing with energy and packed with emotion, NULA is an adrenaline-soaked ride from start to finish. An exciting modern rock record from the Scottish duo, this release is the kind where, from minute one, the best way to appreciate it is to strap yourself in, say a quick prayer and prepare yourself for one of the most unforgettable forty minutes of your life.

NULA Track Listing:

1. DEPARTURE
2. TAINTED
3. LASSO
4. QUENCH
5. SLO
6. I EXIST
7. ATTENTION
8. SHADOW
9. HADES
10. KILL IT
11. HURT
12. SAD
13. XX

Run Time: 39:16
Release Date: October 7, 2022
Record Label: LAB Records