Vulvarine – Fast Lane (Album Review)

When hearing the Austrian Hard Rock band Vulvarine for the first time, you might think – whoa-was that Wolverine who just zoomed by? Nope, it is an exciting all-female band (Suzy Q on vocals, Sandy Dee on guitar, Robin Redbreast on bass, and Bea Heartbeat on drums) blending Rock-n-Roll, Punk attitude, and a bit of heaviness for strong appeal. Initially formed in 2019, the band released their debut album Unleashed in 2020 and an EP called Witches Brew in 2023, but now, they are looking to shift into a higher gear with their sophomore album Fast Lane. 

Released on March 28, 2025, Fast Lane marks their first full-length album signed onto Napalm Records. Currently on tour with Thundermother (who also released a new album in February called Dirty & Divine) and Cobra Spell (who recently independently released the re-recorded EP Anthems of the Venomous Hearts), hopefully, Vulvarine will get the much-deserved octane boost they need to speed ahead of the Rock-n-Roll highway. 

Looking deeper inside, the name of Vulvarine holds a degree of shock appeal, a head turner, and just enough justification to trigger a double take. Oh, to be that fly on the wall when they gathered together, brainstormed, and bagged that name. All kidding aside, this musical quartet has a lot to offer, and Fast Lane is proof. 

Eleven tracks in total, including singles such as “Fool,” “The Drugs, The Love, and The Pain, and “Equal, Not The Same,” it moves along at supersonic with an unflagged enthusiasm. It all begins with “Ancient Soul,” which starts with a turbo boost with thunderous vocals and twangy guitar solos that are wordless but speak volumes. A great kick in the ass, the thought-provoking verse snags your visual cortex with “My soul is searching for the moon…..” smacks of an invisible tie between the soul and the mysterious moon that has a secret to unveil.

Meanwhile, other cuts like “Demons” launch with a riveting intro that ebbs and flows with the bold vocals from Suzy Q. Everyone has had some encounter with ……monsters under their bed…. and the words of this one wash over you like ice water. Then, the aforementioned “Equal, Not the Same” has a rhythmic beat with the pressure of a water hose turned on full blast, and “Dark Red” steps into the light with a mesmerizing intro that conjures the spirit of a dead soul. 

As the shockwaves of Fast Lane pass through, the ripple effect of Vulvarine’s music is undeniable. This album brims over with an extraordinary display of explosive energy. Heavy Metal blends with some Glam and a sprinkling of Punk and Blues. It seems these ladies have real chemistry. Their sound is tight, and they have a fiery and genuine passion. So, if you are looking for heavy Rock music with great vocals and guitar work, check out Vulvarine because Cryptic Rock gives Fast Lane 5 out of 5 stars.

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