REVIEW: Vulvarine - Fast Lane

Austrian rockers Vulvarine are back with Fast Lane, their second album and first release under Napalm Records. Since 2019, they’ve been tearing through the scene with their own brand of high-energy, riff-heavy rock they call vulvarock - a mix of classic rock ‘n’ roll, punk, and heavy metal with a modern edge. With Fast Lane, they double down on that sound, delivering a record jam-packed with attitude, big hooks, and enough variety to keep things feeling fresh.

Right out of the gate, 'The Drugs, the Love and the Pain' sets the tone. It’s a full-throttle opener that wastes no time, hitting you with driving riffs and Suzy Q’s infectious vocals. The whole thing blazes by in just over three minutes, and is truly a track made to be replayed, perfect for blasting on a late-night drive with the windows down. 'Ancient Soul' slows things down just a touch while keeping the energy up. There’s a bluesy, classic rock lean to it, with cymbals crashing in the background and a funky riff that adds some extra groove. Sandy Dee’s guitar solo is straight out of an old-school rock playbook, adding a nice nostalgic touch without feeling dated.

Things take a turn with 'Demons', one of the heaviest tracks on the album. The production here is thick and layered, giving the song a moody, almost hypnotic vibe. Suzy Q’s vocals shift into a haunting, commanding presence, making this one of the more standout moments on Fast Lane. It’s a darker detour that shows Vulvarine isn’t just about good-time rock anthems - they’ve got depth too.

Midway through, 'Alright Tonight' brings things back to a more laid-back, groove-heavy feel. This is the kind of song that belongs in a dimly lit bar, the kind where the floors are sticky, and the jukebox only plays rock classics. It’s got an effortless cool to it, with a rhythm section that makes it impossible not to nod along. Then there’s 'Fool', co-written with producer Felix Heldt, which takes the band’s sound in a slightly different direction. It’s leans towards a modern, techy sound, but still keeps that raw rock ‘n’ roll spirit intact. It’s a refreshing change of pace that shows the band isn’t afraid to experiment a little.

One of the most unexpected moments on the album is their cover of Modern Talking’s 'Cheri Cheri Lady'. Covers like this are always a gamble, but Vulvarine absolutely nails it. They take the ultra cheesy 80s original and crank it up into a full-blown rock anthem, helped in part by a killer guest solo from Thundermother’s Filippa Nässil. It’s a blast - one of those tracks that makes you grin the first time you hear it.

The album wraps up with 'She’ll Come Around', a stripped-down, introspective closer. It’s just Suzy Q and a gently played electric guitar, with what sounds like fire crackling in the background. It’s intimate, raw, and a perfect way to wind things down after an album that mostly operates at full throttle.

Overall, Fast Lane is a solid step forward for Vulvarine. They refine their sound without losing that fiery, rough-around-the-edges charm that makes them stand out. If you’re into high-energy, attitude-filled rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers, this one’s worth a spin.

Score: 8/10

Fast Lane will be released on March 28th 2025 via Napalm Records.

Words: Jason De Mendonca

Photos: Vulvarine