Album Review: Tom Vek – Luck

From the moment you press play on ‘Luck’, it’s crystal clear that Tom Vek knows exactly what he’s doing.

Although die-hard fans of the self-taught musical prodigy would argue that it’s impossible to top 2011’s ‘Leisure Seizure’, ‘Luck’ is just as notably experimental, oozing with thought-provoking intelligence and impressive production. It’s easy to see where Tom Vek draws his inspiration. Peeking through his Electronic synths is that Grunge sound in which he’s known for, the kind of rawness you would hear in a Smashing Pumpkins song. However adventurous ‘Luck’ gets, Vek sticks to his thematic goal throughout – his personal account of modern anxieties.

Opening with ‘How Am I Meant To Know’, a track that sets the tone for the album with Vek’s monotone distinction, you instantly feel drawn in by a repetitive and eery vocal sample. It almost sounds as if Vek is talking directly to you before heavy guitars interrupt.

Easily the best track on the album, ‘Sherman (Animals In The Jungle)’ is the staple Indie twang that you’d hope to hear on a Tom Vek album. Inspired by Tom Wolfe’s ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’, the chord sequence paired with Vek’s enticing vocals proves exactly why this song was chosen for single release.

Tom Vek’s talent and appeal is apparent throughout ‘Luck’, particularly with ‘You’ll Stay’ and ‘The Girl You Leave For Any Other Girl’. You think: “How on earth did he manage to produce such a great album by himself?”. Only a connoisseur and multi instrumentalist in his own right could be so intricate and varied with his sounds. And ‘Luck’ is exactly that. Daring, irresistible and ultimately difficult to ignore.

Released on the 6th June 2014 through Moshi Moshi/[PIAS] Australia, ‘Luck’ will spark the beginning of a series of tour dates for Mr. Vek. Hitting Rough Trade East, XOYO and the Purcell Room in London during summer 2014, the release of ‘Luck’ is sure to be the beginning of a very busy schedule for Tom Vek.