Volcano Victims - Volcano Victims

Volcano Victims

Volcano Victims
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Is there anything better than music after breaking up with someone?  Putting on “Soma” by the Smashing Pumpkins was part of my own brand of required therapy for much of my early 20’s. If the self-titled EP Volcano Victims by Volcano Victims was around in the late ‘90s then it may very well have been in rotation as well.

Volcano Victims are a two-piece band comprised of Gaui and Hanna who wrote an album that revolves in its most distilled form around heartbreak. There is no disputing that this is a melancholy album. The songs are rather slow, the guitars are wrapped in reverb that sounds nostalgic and the vocal delivery from Gaui and Hanna is solemn.  At the end of the day though isn't that what I’m looking for. I want the sounds, words and overall feeling to empathize with me. The sadness they experience is also my sadness and that’s why Volcano Victims works.

The first song is a good one as Gaui and Hanna harmonize and deliver lyrics with no ambiguity. They sing “How can I get over you With your things surrounding me your books, your shoes, your diary I go through your stuff I'm losing my mind.” 
The song is void of percussion and relies on atmosphere to convey the emotions. It does this quite successfully with a minimal amount of instrumentation

“Falling” has Hanna on lead vocals while the guitar notes are lightly picked with subtle percussive elements to keep the song moving. It’s another solid song displaying an inspired vocal performance. “I Don't Know What To Do” deals with the aftermath of heartbreak. I think we have all been there when you just don't know what to do now that he or she is no longer in your life. They close with “Take My Heart And Break It.” It’s not exactly a hopeful ending but you know what sometimes doesn’t have one either.

Volcano Victims is an EP that has a time and place to be listened to. You most likely will not be listening to it if you are in a party mode or just started a relationship but it is fantastic to spin after a breakup.

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