4 out of 5

Label: Avex Trax

Produced by: (?)

Combining the fleshed out production of Good Luck with the playfulness of his debut, Vickeblanka continues the ‘mini-album’ approach with the 6 + 1 bonus track Slave of Love.  Bringing in a clear Queen influence on the title track – which is fantastic – Vicke’s piano playing is very much front and center here, backed up by a constant beat and layers and layers of feel-good vocals.  The disc is almost entirely singles, with the only overreach being the ballad Your Days, which stretches for a bit more range than Vicke can properly sustain.  And while translated lyrics are probably not the best bet for accuracy on intention, Slave’s subject matter, though keeping to rather predictable I’m-in-love-with-you fare, dodges in to some interestingly dark corners or unique ways of expressing that.  Again, no clue if that’s coming through correctly, but it’s an interesting juxtaposition against the primarily super upbeat vibe of the songs.

Vickeblanka continues to impress from release to release, adding more complexity and getting smarter with how to apply his vocals and compositions, but maintaining a sense of playfulness that keeps all of his work approachable and catchy.