ViVii - “Smackdown”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…First Aid Kit, CHVRCHES, Aurora

ViVii released their sophomore record Mondays in 2021 and it’s a nice continuation of their folksy, dream-pop sound. The Swedish band leans into light, synth-pop grooves, half hypnotic and half grounded across the consistent, new-wave vibed release. They sound especially warm and even sweet on Mondays, eschewing tension for soft waves of mid-tempo pop. ViVii has two showcases booked including Thursday night at Esther’s Follies with recommended artists flipturn, Sarah Kinsley, and ELLEVATOR. (Kevin McStravick)

2019 Review: Swedish indie pop duo ViVii produce a dreamy, subtly groovy sound on 2018 debut EP Savant and recent follow-up singles “Suckerpunch” and “And Tragic”. While soft and distant, ViVii connect in little creative moments in production and melody, breaking free from the ambient, hypnotic verses they build their songs around. Even through they’ve only been releasing music for about a year, there’s noticeable growth in their quietly grand songwriting and ghostly presence.