Rumor has it that inside the cold parameter of Winnipeg, the capital of Canada’s Monitoba, lies a secret musical gem that has long been harbored as a regional keepsake among listeners.
VIKINGS, the indie pop music group known for singles, “Run” and “Burning Man,” took advantage of the 2020 lockdown to regroup and innovate. What birthed was an experimentation of sound that produced two original songs, “Tanlines” and “Swimming At Night,” two sensational dance bops that abound in the atmospheric realms of artists such as, Foster The People and Glass Animals.
Releasing in the summer, the three-man band consisting of lead vocalist, Josh Youngson, and brothers, Dave McNabb and James McNabb, continued their markedly signature brand of anthem stylizing with upbeat, guitar and synth rhythms rounded out with catchy hooks and masterful electro-dance breaks. In addition to the two leading singles, the four-track music project also features an ASH HALO remix of “Tanlines” and the radio edit version of “Swimming At Night.”
“The forthcoming songs embody two very different vibes, while still maintaining the sound that is VIKINGS,” the VIKINGS trio said in a statement. “‘Tanlines’ lyrics and style portray a love story that is led by driving guitars and catchy hooks. ‘Swimming At Night’ provides a journey into a sexy, upbeat chorus that demands body movement.”
When the trio was asked about their motivation going into this project, they responded that they were “inspired by adventure and love,” a clear mission that was accomplished on the inspiring “Tanlines” where Youngson sings, “I get tanlines on me / I get tanlines, get tanlines ’cause you shine so brightly.” The expounding of the lead single as an ASH HALO remix comes with a faster pace made for a more active listening experience.
“Swimming At Night” is suitable as the cherry-on-top anthem that elongates the dance narration — or better yet, dance revolution — ignited by “Tanlines.” Playful in its lyrical sensibilities, “Swimming At Night” is the fun sibling in an euphoric collection of songs.
Youngson’s magnetic falsetto drizzles subtly on the instrumentation in which he also contributes to keys and guitar, while the McNabb brothers provide phenomenal synths, drum programming, and samples. With a number of things at play to ensure fans a fulfilling listening experience, VIKINGS easily set a solid foundation for worldwide acclaim and mainstream appeal.
It goes without saying that the VIKINGS have another title to add to their growing repertoire — ANTHEM KINGS.
VIKINGS “Tanlines / Swimming At Night” is available across music streaming platforms or have a listen below:
