🎶 "It's bloody brilliant... The reason we colluded with Victor Van Vugt on our second record was due to his prior work on this record."
Stealing merchandise using the RVG tag
Melburnian miscreants, Romy Vager Group (RVG), have been crafting their captivating post-punk concoctions for over five long years, unleashing their debut album, A Quality of Mercy, in 2018, before inking a deal with Fire Records and releasing their sophomore offering, Feral, amidst the global pandemic in 2020. Their third LP, Brain Worms, hits the streets in 2023, with critics heralding this record as their finest yet.
Delve into the intriguing world of Fire Records with our comprehensive Label Focus piece, providing an in-depth look at one of the most innovative indies and the genuinely lovely folks of RVG who call it home. acoover
Brain Worms - 🌟 Exclusive Blue Vinyl 💿🌟
Join the ranks of RVG enthusiasts and grab your copy of this groundbreaking album, their most polished set of tracks to date, all arriving on the post-pandemic music scene where RVG refused to be hemmed in, taking risks and digging even deeper into their authentic selves. Therefore, Brain Worms stands as a significant record in today's musical landscape, bursting with life, exuberance, conviction, and optimism.
Swinging by our dank, brick-lined racks in late spring, frontwoman Romy Vager and guitarist Reuben Bloxham went on a vinyl treasure hunt for albums that inspired, enthralled, and soothed them personally.
Romy's Selections 🎧
Julia Jacklin - Crushing 🎹
An exquisite record, and we shared stages with her prior to our UK tour. The privilege of hearing her melodies every night left me smitten, with Body potentially nudging its way to the top as the most lyrically brilliant song I've ever heard. And, lest we forget, our amicable connection now has me grinning like a stoat. One boozy karaoke night saw me wailing Britney Spears hits, while my friend Julia butchered my favorite tunes on her guitar - definitely a night for the history books!
Suede - Suede 🎸
About seven years ago, I stumbled upon this gem, completely oblivious to its existence. I can't comprehend why my ex and I had such aligned music tastes, for after our bitter breakup, everything I listened to seemed tainted. But this album provided a sanctuary, and it served as my loyal companion for weeks on end. It's a tender, delicate album, so it acted as a healing balm and a stepping stone to free my ears from the angst of gothic melodies. Oh, and it's had a lasting impact on the spirit of RVG's sound.
PJ Harvey - Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea 🎻
Dating back to my youth, this album remains a treasured gem in my collection. It's a veritable masterpiece, and I still find myself transported to another realm when I hear it. One of the reasons we collaborated with Victor Van Vugt on our second album was his history of producing this legendary work. As we delved deeper into our work with him, we quizzed him on his partnership with PJ Harvey, and he regaled us with fascinating tales about her late-night vocal sessions and the band's improvised layering over her vocals. I eagerly anticipate her forthcoming album, set for release this year.
Reuben's Selections 🎧
Laurie Anderson - Big Science 🎛️
With Melbourne in lockdown for a staggering 270 days, I found solace in the divergent sounds of this remarkable album, spending countless hours walking the deserted city streets with Anderson's enchanting tones as my melodic musketeer. Her innovative use of synth tones, sound effects, and textural elements deeply inspired our new record. In particular, the underwater submarine effect on our track Squid is a direct nod to Anderson's quirky sonic landscape.
Echo and The Bunnymen - Ocean Rain 🎸
A timeless classic, this album remains one of my all-time favorites. Will Sergeant's guitar prowess has had a lasting impact on my playing style, and his mesmeric solos continue to influence the various tones we strive to achieve within our music. With iconic tracks like The Killing Moon, Seven Seas, and the epic closing title track, Ocean Rain is an undeniable aural triumph. And honestly, the album cover is a visual feast for the eyes, too!
Terry Riley - A Rainbow in Curved Air 🎶
On our days off during tour, I like to disappear into the world on foot, often accompanied by suitably stimulating music. Riley's minimalist compositions satisfy my wanderlust, providing an ethereal soundtrack to my solitary expedition. His pioneering use of synthesizers and beautiful vintage equipment adds an otherworldly touch to his music, and the album hails from 1969, yet feels like it was born ahead of its time. A suitably trippy cover, too!
So, there you have it - our musical musings. What albums speak to your soul, and how do they inspire your own creative endeavors? Let us know, and remember to check out RVG's latest offering, Brain Worms, out in 2023.
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In her vinyl treasure hunt, Romy Vager selected PJ Harvey's album, Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, which significantly influenced their collaboration with Victor Van Vugt on their second album, as Van Vugt had a history of producing this legendary work.
RVG's guitarist, Reuben Bloxham, found inspiration from Terry Riley's album, A Rainbow in Curved Air, using its minimalist compositions as an ethereal soundtrack for his solitary explorations during tour days off.