People often mistake punk rock's intensity and fervour for simplicity or pureility, but there is a whole wealth of artists who have proved over the years that the intangible qualities of punk rock can be used to create sophisticated and intricate music. Whether it's the post-punk experientialism of Public Image Ltd or Talking Heads, the post-hardcore emotiveness of Fugazi or Thursday, or the singer-songwriter intimacy of Patti Smith or Laura Jane Grace, there are artists who stand firmly as torchbearers for punk.
Those latter two names can also be joined now by Vicki F, an acoustic singer-songwriter whose folk and americana indebted songs are infused with the essence of punk rock. Perfect Here, the title track from her latest EP of the same name, is a gloriously melancholic ode to a relationship, showing off not just Vicki F's terrific voice but also her brilliant song-writing skills.
Vicki F has a history in punk rock that dates back to the genre's earliest days. Her band Troupe DiCoupe were stalwarts of the earl CBGBs scene, and while they never had the breakout success of contemporaries like The Ramones or Blondie, their influence as part of that scene is unquestionable. In her music, Vicki F doesn't hang on to the past any more than is necessary, and while her song-writing clearly comes from a punk rock base, it never feels overly vintage or backward looking. In fact Perfect Here sounds far more modern and relevant than one might expect.
I mentioned Laura Jane Grace before, and Perfect Here definitely reminds me of Against Me's more sombre numbers, particularly tracks like Because Of The Shame. There's an energy that pervades forth despite the quite mature themes, and it shows how important performances are to making a track great. In another life I can imagine this track being performed as a slow Joni Mitchell style folk ballad, and in another as a speedy Buzzcocks style rocker. Vicki F has put her performance squarely in the middle of these styles, and has got the balance of emotion and ardour absolutely spot on.
Lyrically the track is very well written too, combining the detailed and intimate nuances of a relationship with recognisable feelings that speak to us all. The song feels deeply personal, particularly in the verses, but it also has relatability in the choruses that make you want to sing at the top of your voice. It's the mark of a true song-writing talent.
Perfect Here is an outstanding track and a fantastic introduction to Vicki F's music. It's clear that the song-writing spirt of american punk lives on, and who better to bring it forward than someone who was there at the beginning. The best thing about this track though is that it insists that you not judge Vicki F on her past success, but on the music she is making now.
Perfect Here can be heard on multiple platforms here.
For more info about Vicki F you can visit her official website.
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