The Venus Fly Trap ‘Icon’ Review: latest release from underground UK post-punk act is an enjoyable quirky and vigorous combination of genres.

★★★★

As someone who loves vintage post-punk and goth, I’m ashamed to admit I’m unfamiliar with The Venus Flytrap, a UK group who traveled in the same circles as genre heavyweights Bauhaus.

The duo, comprised of vocalist Alex Novak and Andrew Denton (guitar, programming), have just released their latest (and possibly last) album Icon (via Glass Records). And the album (produced by Pigface’s Martin Bowes), proves a perfect introduction to a cult act who mix darkwave with psychedelia and pop culture soundbites.

It kicks off with the title track, a shimmering synth-driven instrumental which leads to Vitesse, a krautrock driven number that conjures dystopian, neon-drenched, cinematic visuals.

Voodoo Voodoo switches gears, adding garage rock guitars and manic vocals that recalls Alien Sex Fiend colliding with The Cramps, while Flashback adds gritty spy-guitar and organ swells.

Icon is totally engaging throughout, and despite the band’s gothic lineage, never takes itself too seriously, from the Dr. Who-inspired new wave ditty The Genesis of the Daleks to Deadly Nightshade, a disco-beat propelled gem that warns of femme fatale’s and carnal delights. It also showcases the odd appeal of Alex Novak’s quavering, bassy vocals, which further distinguishes the group from their competitors.

Icon closes out in even more unexpected ways, ending in two slow-burn 60’s psychedelic numbers: Puppet and In The Moonlight, the former of which features a melodic hook that will linger long after the album finishes.

One hopes that Icon isn’t The Venus Flytrap’s swan song, because it’s made me an instant convert who looks forward to seeking out their back catalogue while remaining optimistic for a follow-up in the near future.

Own The Venus Flytrap’s ‘Icon’ on Amazon.