When one mentions New Politics, they hopefully are not talking about Donald Trump and are actually discussing the Alternative Rock band that was originally formed by two Danish natives, Vocalist David Boyd and Guitarist Søren Hansen. Following the release of 2010 RCA Records self-titled debut album they made the bold choice to leave home to purse their music and moved to their new home in New York City. Quickly teaming up with Long Island native Drummer Louis Vecchio, the trio was complete and the chemistry began to flow. In 2013, they scored Alternative Rock success when their song “Harlem,” from their sophomore album A Bad Girl in Harlem,which rose on the charts and resulted in some amazing touring such as Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival, as well as a spot opening for Paramore in 2014. Returning rather quickly, their newest album, Vikings, was written while they were on the road. Anxious to push themselves to new limits, they even used actual tape to record some of the demos. In a recent interview with CrypticRock the three musicians stated that they did not want to box themselves into what people expected from them, and Vikings certainly will turn a lot of heads mixing all the best elements of Rock, Punk, Pop, and Electro/Dance to give New Politics the unexpected sound they were going for.
Kicking off the album is their first single “Everywhere I Go,” making a listener get amped for the rest of the album. Strong vocals, fun electric keyboard, and the beat of the drum causes one to jump and sing along. It is upbeat, like a Beastie Boys song, even referencing “No Sleep ‘til Brooklyn.” Following this is their second single from the album, “West End Kids,” which is an anthem for all those people who feel out of place where they currently are, but know they are going to become something bigger. It starts off slow, but as the song progresses it grows into a strong Pop Rock sound keeping with the upbeat quality of the previous song.
Then there is the upbeat and oh so catchy “Girl Crush.” Here the style may remind some of Neon Trees “50 Feet Tall” with synth sounds that will easily imprint themselves on the listeners brain as much as Boyd’s vocal delivery. “Lovers In A Song” takes a turn into the dark Pop Rock ballad and they take a page out of the book of ‘how to write a whole album about your old relations and be successful.’ Vecchio’s drums are the focal point of the music and the lyrics talk about how a relationship did not work out, but the love can always be remembered from the songs that were written about it. Then there is “15 Dreams” which continues the ballad ideas of the last song, but moving into more of an Electronic sound. With a similar sound to American duo Timeflies, it is a slower song that still can make a listener dance.
Bringing back the happy is “Pretend We’re In A Movie” with the upbeat sounds Vikings began with, keeping up with fast drumming and electric keyboard, but utilizes a ukulele that adds a tropical feel to the love song about living a love like in a cliché Romance movie. Plan to jump around dancing and singing along, because the first time played, listeners will already be bouncing in their seat. This comes before “Loyalties Amongst Thieves” which goes back to a Punk Rock sound that is rooted in New Politics DNA, and provides for a nice bit of diversity. Deep into the record, “Stardust” is one of those songs that one does not expect. It returns to their love ballad sound, but there is something about the song that captivates a listener more than the others. It could be the piano solos, it could be the loving lyricism and vocals, it could be the growth in tempo, or it could just be that when all of these combine they make one hell of a song. Surprising yet again, “Aristocrat” delves into Techno Punk Rock like The Static Jacks, which all add to the album’s progression and sound before Vikings ends on a high note with “Strings Attached.” Featuring an old school Punk Rock sound, and the tempo rivaling the speed of a jaguar, this song will cause one to want to mosh and bang their heads till the very last note.
New Politics wanted to make an album that let them explore their sound, but still make a solid album, and they delivered. Their mix of different genre’s sounds that a listener expects from them, with ones they did not, make Vikings an album to add to any party Rock playlist. While different than Bad Girl in Harlem, this record is a much more mature effort with songs they are extremely strong as a unit, as well as alone. After one listen, fans will be craving for another album to come, and judging by New Politics flair for adventure, they probably still have many more tricks up their sleeve. CrypticRock gives Vikings 5 out of 5 stars.
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