Dutch noise pop quartet Vanity Box made a lasting first impression last November with Strange Man, a standout single that showcased their distinctive blend of hypnotic melodies and raw energy. Now, with their dynamic debut full-length Good Luck, See You Friday, the Groningen-based musicians—Julia Bekker, Hugo Heinen, Yorick Karseboom and Sybolt Friso—prove they have much more to offer.
The album’s nine original songs, including the aforementioned single, traverse a sonic landscape that balances melancholic shoegaze with unrestrained indie rock. Tracks like An Air-Conditioned Life and Satan, Go Back to Sweden (with apologies to our readers over there) envelop listeners in dreamy, immersive soundscapes, while Stereo Velcro injects a thrilling jolt of energy with its chaotic guitar bursts and a compelling spoken-word sample (initially I misread the title as Stereo Violence, which—given its intensity—would have been equally fitting). The record’s most striking quality is the interplay between repetitive, hypnotic guitar chords and the alternating male-female vocals, creating a sound that is simultaneously entrancing and electrifying. The closing title tune stretches to nearly ten minutes, yet its immersive nature makes it feel all too brief—a testament to Vanity Box’s ability to captivate from start to finish.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp