EP Review: Voodoos - What Was That Supposed to Mean?

Glasgow-based quartet Voodoos haven’t yet released a full-length album – but when they do, we’ll be in for a real treat if it’s anywhere near as good as What Was That Supposed to Mean?, the band’s second EP. What they display here is energetic indie rock that’s reminiscent of the likes of The Vaccines and The Strokes, with a few dashes of Bleachers and Giant Rooks thrown in for good measure.

The opening track – ‘TV Set’ – sets the stage beautifully, bopping along with a knowing grin while also asking the ever-relevant questions that come with being in your 20s: what am I actually supposed to do with myself? While the track holds no answers for its listener, we can certainly be sure that Voodoos won’t have to ask that question for much longer – these lads are going places.

‘Party’s Over’ captures the aimlessness that comes with that post-night out realisation that you might be wasting your time, but frontman Piero Marcuccilli’s vocals matched with the energy of the guitars and drums mean the song goes down a treat. That same energy carries over to the EP’s final two tracks, too. ‘Young Punks’ is a tad more laidback than the rest but is just as engaging; the slower tempo and strong bassline allow Marcuccilli’s vocals to come to the fore.

The mania of ‘TV Set’ returns with closing track ‘Going South,’ an anthem for all of us who’ve ever tried to save a dead relationship. It’s at once full of energy and sadness and strikes the perfect balance between the two as it uncovers the things that so often go unsaid between couples.

As a whole EP, What Was That Supposed to Mean? is an utter delight, pushing the band away from their original punk influences and forging bold new ground for them – pay close attention to them going forward, because Voodoos have all the makings of a truly great indie band.

Words: Matt Taylor