At 23 years old, Tom Vek is starting to make big waves in the UK indie music scene. Of course, this draws people to hold him up and compare him to other new British bands. However, in reality the only thing Tom Vek has in common with someone like The Bravery or Bloc Party is the timing of his popularity - nothing more.
All in all, our jaded music press is struggling to compare Tom Vek to anyone, until one day some bright spark noticed that Vek rhymed with- yes, Beck. The needed comparison was born. Both singer-songwriters, both blend different genres to create new music- oh, the similarities were endless, it was decreed.
There are some real similarities between the two artists, and if you like one it is very likely you will enjoy the other. However, Vek is certainly no imitation of the Odelay-era Beck, on the contrary – he’s one of the most genuinely original artists to come out of the much-loathed “NME” scene for quite some time.
We Have Sound is mature, energetic, eccentric and charming. We start with the magnificent “C-C” that effortlessly takes you just where Vek wants you with a brilliant bass line and stream-of-consciousness style vocals. Next, we have a gem of a track, “I Ain’t Saying My Goodbyes”. Pounding, hypnotic and eventually euphoric, this a perfect showcase of the talent Vek obviously has.
Other stand-out tracks include “A Little Word In Your Ear”, which has a deliciously funky element to it, “If I Had Changed My Mind”, which is almost eerie in its jollity and “Cover”.
Vek uses very repetitive hooks, and often this works and adds to the atmosphere of the song, but the same technique throughout the album can get slightly wearing if the album is listened to the whole way through.
However, the instruments are superb for a solo artist (and he plays everything himself) & always interesting, and never just filler. It’s often the drum fill or the guitar riff that’s the focus of the song, rather than Vek’s vocals, which blend into the mix with ease.
This musicianship is what makes this album not just your average debut. It’s exciting and challenging, and speaks of great things to come. Combined with a fantastic live act and a devoted fanbase, Vek is setting weapons that have the potential to propel him into fantastic new creative arenas.
For anyone that’s looking for interesting new music, this is a must-have; Vek’s appeal is certainly not universal, but this is a talent that cannot be ignored.
