Album Review: Vukovi – My God Has Got a Gun (SharpTone Records)

On January 24th, 2025, and via SharpTone Records, Scottish rockers Vukovi will unleash their latest creation, ‘My God Has Got a Gun’. One of the year’s most anticipated releases, with songs that tell stories that are both intensely personal and universally relatable.

I’ve really been looking forward to this one, and even though we’ve had a slew of singles from it already, my excitement for it hasn’t diminished. In fact, it has grown, such has been the quality of what Vukovi have put out already and such is the faith I have in the band. Vocalist Janine and guitarist Hamish’s creativity is off the charts here, and there is no denying the reality that what we have with My God Has Got a Gun is an album of the year contender.

Don’t take my word for it though, press play and let yourself to be transported elsewhere. To a curious place, a place that is dark and cold, but a place that showcases truth and reality in unflinching style. It’s an opener, nothing more than about a minute and a half of music, but This Is My Life and My Trauma leaves such an impression. The choral style of vocals that haunt the senses, the surrealist effects, the explosion of heaviness heralded by one word, ‘bang’, Vukovi will have everyone’s attention.

Which is perfect as what follows is Gungho, Vukovi’s big album sound on display with a track that excites the senses by being infectious and imaginative. If you need one track to tempt you into this album, it’s probably going to be this as it shows off so much of the band’s unique heavy and alternative elements, as well as their impressive ability to be accessible.

Although it’s far from alone and the title track has a fantastic chorus, but is dominated by the Janine’s stunning vocal variety. The end of the track, how it gets so chaotic and noisy, is staggeringly good. Then there is Fallen Beyond, a melodically fired up track with emotive layers of cinematic splendour and even more anthemic value. Before Fuc Kit Up draws its power from several different genres, blending rocking rhythms with alternative tones and emphatic metal moments.

A series of tracks that delight in different ways and ensure everyone listening will be on the edge of their seat, excited to hear what comes next. Especially as Vukovi are so expressive. There’s no doubting that this must have been a very cathartic experience for the band, but it shouldn’t be overlooked that it’s a cathartic experience for the listener too. All because of the relatable qualities that Vukovi display. Yet, that all of this is portrayed in such an addictive way is what makes this album, and a track like Misty Ecstasy so special.

It, alongside the following Sno, can proudly be considered a stunner of a track that exposes all manner of emotions. The power that Vukovi display, showcasing two masterpiece versions of pop-infused rock, is remarkably good. It’s their ability to sound so dreamy, beautiful, intense, and rocking that leaves an indelible mark.

It is an album of the year contender, and up there as the best thing (as a whole) that the band have put out. Yet, if more proof is needed, than along comes Cowboy to showcase even more vocal vulnerability and power. Followed by a more instrumentally intense effort called Peel and the haunting sound of Kitty. Right up to the end, Vukovi keep things varied and so exciting.

Which is why the end comes with so much disappointment. Even though it has been such a satisfying listen, and no one will be feeling short-changed, it’s the kind of record you don’t want to end. Especially when it comes with so much body moving rhythm, so much excitable energy, and so much unforgettable anthemic power. That’s Bladed, and it’s the cherry on top. Outstanding stuff from Vukovi, My God Has Got a Gun is a daring release that they have approached with such confidence.

Vukovi – My God Has Got a Gun Track Listing:

1. This Is My Life and My Trauma
2. Gungho
3. My God Has Got a Gun
4. Fallen Beyond
5. Fuc Kit Up
6. Misty Ecstasy
7. Sno
8. Cowboy
9. Peel
10. Kitty
11. Bladed

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