Vague Notion Unveil Futuristic New EP 'Glow'

Indie electronic/post-punk duo, Vague Notion, hailing from British Columbia, Canada return with their new six-track EP Glow.

Known for their signature cinematic sound, blending electronic production with guitar-driven arrangements, the duo have built a reputation for creating immersive listening experiences. On Glow, they continue that approach, delivering a project that feels both seamless and wide-ranging.

From the opening track, ‘Visceral Reaction’, the EP immediately establishes its dynamic range. It begins relatively mellow but has moments that feel punchy, that cut through the mix. The synth work is particularly striking, at times resembling a laser beam slicing through the production echoing the track’s lyrical refrain, where she repeats ‘Visceral reaction going all around’, reinforcing the idea of an overwhelming physical response. Cheryl Janzen’s vocals, as one half of the duo, notably have a subtle distortion that feels intentional, giving them a glitched, textured quality that enhances the track’s intensity without affecting the emotional clarity.

Followed by the guitar-led ‘We Made It So’ performed by the other half of the duo, Bevan Early, the track takes on a more piercing,hard-hitting edge. Cheryl Janzen’s vocals remain layered on top,though at times they are slightly submerged beneath the instrumentation, allowing the guitar to take centre stage.This push-and-pull between vocals and instrument adds a subtle tension, giving the track a more direct, driving energy.

The middle section of the EP leans more into groove-driven territory, with the two tracks offering a clear contrast in energy. One takes on a more upbeat direction, lifting the momentum with a subtle funk-inflected feel that adds depth and movement. The other slows the pace considerably, with Janzen’s vocals delivered in a softer, more intimate style alongside more minimal arrangement. Despite the reduced instrumentation, the track doesn’t lose the atmospheric quality that has run throughout the EP, ensuring that even its most stripped-back moments remain immersive and texturally rich.

Later on the EP is Book Of Time, which mirrors the opening track in its use of the synths that cut through the production, though here they delivered with a fuller sound, more bass-driven presence based on Early’s playing. Janzen’s vocals also take on a more experimental approach, shifting away from conventional singing and instead functioning more like manipulated soundwaves. The decision to place a track like this near the end of the project feels intentional, reinforcing Glow’s core sound.

The closing track, A Little Distraction, gently signals the end of an immersive and often transcendent listening experience. It carries a sense of resolution, easing the EP to a close while maintaining the atmospheric depth that Glow has had throughout.Overall, Vague Notion manage to craft an EP that clearly defines who they are as artists, and how they fuse elements of different genres together into a distinctive sound. The result is a release that feels both considered and uniquely satisfying for listeners drawn to rich, sonically immersive music.