Album Review: The Veronicas - 'Godzilla'

The Origliasso twins - better known as The Veronicas - are often, unjustifiably underrated. 

Thanks to the likes of both Australian and meme culture, we hail their single Untouched (2007) as an iconic, somewhat ironic banger. Godzilla, which is the first of two albums in a massive comeback for the pair, feels like a representation of that. The Veronicas steer back to their 2000s aesthetic and certainly, the electro-pop sounds that came with it. Their most recent previous album, albeit seven years ago, was somewhat of a bluesy, pop self-titled album. It was beautiful, but soon to be forgotten; so it’s no surprise they’ve launched back into what they’re truly known for.

Titular track Godzilla opens the album, a vigorous, grungy pop song that will take you right back to their early sound. For new fans, it’s an exciting first venture into their neon-pop world. Kaleidoscope is at its best when it’s at its stillest; their native Aussie-twang and emotive lyricism are fascinating but somewhat overshadowed by a little too much production.

The Veronicas characteristically feature a massive self-empowering song on every album to date - no 2000s fan will have forgotten rocking out to Revolution on ABC's Rage. In Godzilla’s case, it is In It To Win It. While this doesn’t hit the mark (sounding lyrically lacklustre and too manufactured), all is redeemed with far more captivating odes such as the broody love song 101 and the catchy AF electro-pop sounds in Stealing Cars. 

Have you really reached peak popstar level unless you have collaborated with Travis Barker? Silent feat. Travis Barker is a career highlight from the pair. The ferocious roars in the line ‘Tell me the truth babe / Did you ever feel anything?” are goosebump worthy and so much fun alongside Barker’s drumming. There is also a sneaky violin appearance that is sure to keep fans of Untouched happy. 

The Only High hears a much more vulnerable side; the electro-pop driven sounds are softened and a melodic love song comes alive. We sense this is a taste of what to come with their follow up album Human, which is reported to be a far more stripped back side to the twins.

Godzilla is exactly what it set out to be. If you are willing to skip a track or two, you’re in for a whole lot of fun. It is The Veronica’s electrifying alter-egos. It’s feel-good pop that will urge you to dance and feel that little bit fiercer. If you love energetic, electro beats, Godzilla is certainly the album for you. As a fan of their older sounds, the best is yet to come from The Veronicas.

Find out more about The Veronicas here.