Music Review // Vicki Lovelee "Phase 2: Power Struggle"

https://vickilovelee.bandcamp.com/album/phase-2-power-struggle

There is something about hearing "Phase 2: Power Struggle" which just makes it feel so familiar.   Yes, I've been listening to songs such as "Retaliate" prior to the release of this album, but there is just this retro feeling- a sense of nostalgia in a way- which makes this album just so comfortable to experience.    While there is a big electronic opening there are also those tick tock clock guitar sounds and big beats as well.  On "Counting Me" the lyrics say: "You're not counting sheep / You're counting me" and this sets the tone for the entire album.

When you begin with a song like "Counting Me", which is about haunting someone, it sets a certain precedent for the rest of the album.  Lyrics like "Even when you leave I know you still think of me" as "Counting Me" can even be seen as a bit macabre.   Words and notes sync up on "Guilty" and this is just pop euphoria.   If you listen to this enough times, you can sing along but that idea of it being both electronic and pop with elements of rock is only part of the story.

"Hunter" is a song that both has those Panic At The Disco type of strings but also dreamy space with big beats kicking in later.   "Lacrimosa" is full of pianos and feels rather operatic.  Everything musically about the song- especially the vocals- just seems to be a measure of how far Vicki Lovelee can push boundaries.  This is big, but it goes beyond that as well.  It's created a whole new class of sound in how it is grandiose.  

Further into the album, as we get to "Double Edged Sword", a feeling of this being like a musical kicks in.  It can remind me of both "Nightmare Before Christmas" but also just Danny Elfman in general.   For all of its genres and appeal, "Phase 2: Power Struggle" ultimately feels like a big stage production type of show.   Even as we go to the last song, "On Your Knees", in which Vicki Lovelee sings: "Get up off your knees and fucking leave", which very much feels like an image we should all be able to see inside our heads.

As much as "Counting Me" sets the tone for this album, so does "Retaliate".  This music very much feels like the soundtrack for someone who watches you drive off for work, smiles, wishes you a good day and then knows deep down inside that they cut your brakes because they're sick of your shit.  If I didn't love Vicki Lovelee so much (and if I wasn't a little bit twisted myself) I'd be scared of this music.  But, being who I am, this is one of my favorite albums not only this year but of all time.