The Voidz - Tyranny (Album Review)

 

The Voidz - Tyranny

(2014)

My copy: 2015 double album, first press by Cult Records

I’ll start this off with what may be a controversial statement: this is the best Strokes related piece of music ever released, and it’s an amazing album on its own as well. Tyranny catches criticism for some of the weakest reasons I’ve ever heard (lyrics may be difficult to understand and some believe the album is too maximalist) and it almost feels as if some are blatantly ignoring the sprawling, genre-spanning ideas that are abundant on this album. 

Songs on Tyranny are complex but they are woven with such skill that while some may meander, it is executed in a way that feels organic. The production is the first thing you will notice: “Take Me In Your Army” is an eerie dredge through 80s style synth and drum loops. The production on this record is wholly consistent and immerses listeners in a grim but mysterious tone. At any given moment synths will drone, guitars flicker and Julian Casablancas pulls off some of his most interesting vocal performances in years. 

“Crunch Punch,” “M.utually A.ssured D.estruction” and “Where No Eagles Fly” are more traditional post-punk tracks but even on simpler tunes, The Voids crochet in tons of instrumental details that allow these songs to feel fresh on every new listen. Casablancas has not lost his ability to create addicting choruses and verses. Tyranny remains catchy and has pop flare in spite of its otherwise lofty musical aspirations. This album is so deeply layered and yet maintains a sharpness that is unparalleled. 

“Human Sadness” is generally the song most people flock to; a nearly 11 minute combination of synth-pop, post-punk and prog. Casablanca’s vocals reach their most incoherent on “Human Sadness” with strange vocal effects that may alienate some listeners, but those willing to fully engage this song will find a treasure trove of memorable melodies and grooves. There are tons of noise-rock elements through the whole album but The Voidz also manage to make guitar solos cool again and this is especially true on “Human Sadness.” 

The second half of Tyranny hides some of its most interesting experiments: “Father Electricity” is an outlandish trip through afro-pop influenced percussion and piercing guitar blasts. “Johan Von Bronx” shimmers with awkward arpeggios and growling distorted guitars. The vocal melodies across the whole album are unreal and so fun to sing along to. Middle Eastern scales give a sense of mystique to “Dare I Care” while “Nintendo Blood” is a smooth off-kilter indie trek through a digital dystopia. “Xerox” jolts and rattles, threatening to whisk the listener off to some alien landscape with its haunting guitar and vocal lines. 

I often overlook “Off To War” and I will concede that it is the least memorable track on the album; it opts instead for an atmospheric sendoff but this is at least totally in character with the rest of the album. The lyrics range from political to emotional, but are largely incomprehensible; if this bothers you, I recommend simply reading along as you listen. I often wonder if critics who lambast obscured lyrics have forgotten how to read. 

Tyranny is an ambitious record; one that has flown over the heads of a lot of folks who expected an easily digested meal more akin to their favorite Strokes records. Instead, Casablancas and his new band mates did not compromise on their expansive vision, and have created an amazingly detailed album in which the only flaws are being a bit too overzealous. Immerse yourself in Tyranny, it’s an album that demands respect.

My copy currently sells for over 200 dollars on discogs and the only other pressing is a translucent green reissue that is listed for over 1,000 dollars. If you are a big fan of this album, you better cross your fingers for a repress or get ready to shell out some serious cash.