What the hell is this? If we were being lazy, we could label Vangas’ new single post-punk and leave it at that. The steely lurch of the opening groove, the jet-black atmosphere—you can almost see it fit. But it would be much like calling Swans a noise rock band. Yes, it forms a picture, but it’s blurry and incomplete. When Christian Touchet sneers out the opening line, “Walk like you got a big ‘ol stick up your ass” it’s hard to tell if it’s meant to be sardonic or merely obtuse. But then you learn that Touchet, a UGA student and self-described “very anti-social person going to a very social school,” free-styled the lyrics, and, suddenly, some pieces snap into place. This is primal, this is instinctive.

From there, things only grow more menacing—darker, more raw, more eviscerating. The way Touchet bites into “I’ve been baaaaad” in the second verse feels like a not-so-veiled threat. His lacerating screams set against the shrapnel bursts of guitar are sharp and purgative. But it’s the song’s final assault, a punishing tempest of stomping riffs, corrosive feedback, and sinister voices chanting in the distance where everything finally comes unhinged.

But then you learn about the passing of Touchet’s older brother via suicide last year and you start to imagine his grief. A stark clarity forms. A rush of color punches through the inky surface. This is the sound someone processing extreme emotional pain and letting it bleed out across five gut-wrenching minutes. More pieces—messy, jagged, cleansing—careen into position. The picture remains incomplete, it’s still forming. But no matter. It’s already clear that Vangas are one of Atlanta’s most vital young bands. And they’re just getting started.

The “Dog Walker” b/w “Waltz in E Minor” 7″ is out Jan. 6 via Chunklet Industries. Pre-orders are available here.

Vangas will celebrate the release of their new 7″ on Mon., Aug. 6 at 529 alongside Sword II (members of Yukons & Kibi James), Playytime, and A Tower to the Stars. Doors open at 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 21+ to enter.

More Info
Web: goblinfucking.net
Bandcamp: vangas.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @thevangas
Instagram: @goblinfucking