Vigo Thieves make a welcome return in 2012 with their ambitious two-part EP Heart & Soul. On the EP, the band use classic influences from the 80s such as New Order, U2 and Simple Minds to produce a fresh, anthemic sound akin to bands like M83. This brilliant release is full of driven beats, explosive synthesizers and soaring, emotionally charged vocals fit for any festival the world over. The band ease the listener in with the instrumental intro, “Wide Awake”, before breaking into “Steal Your Heart” – a tune that would not be out of place on the soundtrack of a John Hughes coming-of-age movie - with guitarist Stevie exclaiming, “It takes the heart straight out of me, darling when we were young.” The heartfelt romanticism is delivered with style. Tracks like Heartbeats display the bands melodic progression - a tune that would be at home on any indie dance floor in the country. Formed in Wishaw in 2008, Stevie Jukes (vox/guitar), Barry Cowan (guitar/vox), Gordon Phipps (bass) and Al Jukes (drums) have been writing furiously since the release of their Love Is Dead EP last year. Now, with new material ready to go, Vigo Thieves are setting up for an assault on the year ahead. Having already sold out the King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut New Year’s Revolution show in January, and with backing from the likes of BBC Radio 1 Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Ally McCrae as well as the voice of new music in Scotland, Jim Gellatly, the band are determined to make 2012 their breakthrough year. Heart & Soul (Part 1) is due for release on 5th March, via Hijacked Records.
