By Kristen Hawley | 12 December, 2022
If Stranger Things was set in 2022, “QUENCH” is the perfect song to pick for Eddie Munson to shred on the guitar in the finale episode and it could double as a spot-on theme song for Megan Fox’s character, Jennifer Check, in the 2009 horror comedy “Jennifer’s Body”.
The Scottish group Vukovi blends heavy rock and pop punk instrumentals that has residue of the heavy metal, Metallica scene. The lead singer, Janine Shilstone, has one of those voices that fits in perfectly with an intense, grunge sound. It’s also empowering to see Janine as a female lead that is unapologetic and truly shines in a rock space that has been so heavily saturated with men. Her vocals and line delivery are sharp and in a song like “QUENCH”, her voice does anything but fade away. “QUENCH” is a hard rock-based song, but it blends in modern twists and synths to make the listeners notice a new element to the song each time they listen to it. It’s edgy and unpredictable sonically, but lyrically it is an all too familiar story for many.
Off their latest 13-track album titled, NULA, “QUENCH” is a song that deals with how addicting and intoxicating a casual fling can be. Vukovi also explores the power that one person gains and feeds off of when the other person is desperate to come back for more. Playing with the typical game of “chicken” in love and lust, Vukovi uses “QUENCH” to toy with the idea that though the connection between two people may not be not a relationship or love -it is something that feels good.
Besides the exceptional production, the bite and sarcasm to each line are incredible. After Janine sings, “I CUT THE LEASH YOU COME RIGHT BACK/ DON'T WANT A MEAL JUST WANT A SNACK /WON'T WANNA LEAVE I KNOW THAT'S A FACT” she pauses before laughing. And this laugh is perfectly placed after her boasting about knowing for a fact someone will be so wrapped up in being with her that they will come back. It feels confident, sinister, and slightly cocky in the absolute best way.
“QUENCH” feels like one of those records that you want to blast in order to raise your confidence and hype yourself up. It’s modern, fun, and rock and roll to its core. Vukovi brings a fresh spirit to a genre of music that is on resurgence. It’s not your dad’s punk-rock scene anymore and that’s exactly what we love about groups like Vukovi.
Vukovi’s new album NULA is out now, listen to it here!
Make sure you follow Vukovi on all their socials to stay up-to-date with the band:
