Posted: by The Alt Editing Staff
Vienna Vienna’s debut EP Wonderland is straightforward facetiousness and deceptively rich in production. This is post-Olivia Rodrigo fun from LA, self-described as glimmer rock, which feels appropriate given the high-energy poppy distortion. The opener “Vienna (Everything’s Fine)” has an anthemic chorus that bounces off the walls enough to warrant being most of the song. The relief at “I said it back then but I mean it this time” before the next singable punch is humbly triumphant.
“Sex Drugs Whatever” utilizes the faux a capella sound to great success. It’s familiar in an immediately accessible way, making lines like “History repeating in your eyes” feel more hauntingly resonant. This EP is a catchy acerbic coming of age story, punctuated by “Make a Man Out of You.” I enjoy the arrangement, space, progressions–lyrical or otherwise–and fun of Wonderland.
While tender and authentic, the softest moments heard had me wanting to get back to the highs. Wonderland comes with a cosign fromFall Out Boy’s own Pete Wentz–you know it’s quality. After a first listen through I hope you agree that this isn’t Arctic Monkeys, The Dare, or Parquet Courts, this is Vienna Vienna.
Disappointing / Average / Good / Great / Phenomenal
Wonderland is out now via Pulse Records and DCD2.
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Anne Hurban | @fyrbrdtransanne
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