Pop Vulture’s ‘Lionel’s Big Problem’: Single Review and Live Review at Vinyl Whistle

To celebrate the release of their punchy new single, ‘Lionel’s Big Problem’ as well their EP ‘Pop Vulture 2019 – 2022’, Leeds legends Pop Vulture hosted an intimate launch show at Headingley’s own Vinyl Whistle.

Their second release with local indie label Come Play With Me Records, ‘Lionel’s Big Problem’ presents jangly post-punk in combination with driving social commentary. In the words of frontman Luc Gibbons, the single is an ode to the ‘working class [that are] forced to suffer in silence’ at the hands of ‘suits and ties at the top’; the fictious ‘Lionel’ an allegory for the widening wealth gap.

Pop Vulture serves as Lionel’s puppeteer, bringing him to life through a driving bassline and Gibbons’ biting vocals. The satirical back and forth between lyrics and lead guitar narrate ‘Lionel’s Big Problem’, playing into the no-wave genre that Pop Vulture pridefully take inspiration from. Deviating from their previous releases, ‘Lionel’s Big Problem’ is more aggressive and confrontational, Gibbons’ playing into a grittier and rawer vocal style. The single opens out into a synth-tinged, droning section that allows Pop Vulture to take advantage of the fuller, deeper sound they are so capable of. Finally, Lionel is ‘hanged, drawn, financially quartered, decapitated’ as the single comes to a close.

Pop Vulture have done well to carve a name for themselves amongst a plethora of post-punk- no-wave adjacent bands, especially in Leeds. The release show itself was sweaty, intimate, and packed out. Having seen Pop Vulture live a number of times I can safely say they never disappoint, the emotions and dynamism behind the music benefitting immensely from live opportunities.

Their first single with CPWM records, ‘C.M.E.’ served as a highlight, spilling into a more dance-worthy version wave of deft narration, intertwined with offbeat guitar. As always, Gibbons and Udin’s energetic percussion were the star of the show, the distinctive use of cowbell and woodblock giving Pop Vulture both thoughtful and playful sound.

Undoubtedly, Pop Vulture have shaped a signature sound, a contorting mixture of no-wave post-punk, further deepened by the use of experimentalist percussion. Such a particular sound can prove restricting for many, but Pop Vulture seem to continue to evolve. Ever on the up, this past week Pop Vulture been featured on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, as well as benefitting from several plays by Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq. Given the current state of affairs, ‘Lionel’s Big Problem’ seems even more relevant, though perhaps the ending a little wishful for Lionel’s real-life counterparts. Nevertheless, the new single hints that good things are to come for the Leeds quartet.

‘Pop Vulture 2019 – 2022’ showcases a selection of works from the band, originally collated together on a pretty snazzy green glitter cassette. Though the limited-edition green tape is now sold out, Pop Vulture hinted at a new run of it in the future, so watch this space (and keep an eye on their Bandcamp).