With their new album, Under the World, VOWWS craft their dark pop masterpiece – a cinematic, stylish and menacing statement of intent. Drawing upon influences as diverse as classic western, electronica, surf rock, metal, and film music, the enigmatic duo weave disparate threads of cultural influence together into a tapestry of drama, imagination and surprising warmth – only to deconstruct them again in front of your ears.
Under the World was largely recorded with friend, mentor and engineer Kevin S. McMahon at his New Paltz, NY studio – building upon a symbiotic relationship formed while piecing together their debut, 2015’s The Great Sun – a dirty, grinding and swaying work featuring guest appearances by electronic music legend Gary Numan and Swans’ percussionist Thor Harris.
This time around VOWWS took on a more prominent role in producing and mixing the record, but the timeless influence of McMahon and his weatherworn New Paltz studio/barn is still present. Under the World deliberately eschews any obvious Post-Punk and Industrial tropes, instead allowing space for its stylish hooks, direct vocals and rich textures to shine. It was released on the band’s own label, Anti-Language Records on March 2, 2018.