In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of alternative rock, few bands manage to carve out a sound so distinct and evocative that it transcends mere music to become an experience. VGmates is one such entity, a group that blends the raw energy of rock with the intricate layers of electronic soundscapes and traditional live instrumentation. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, the band has cultivated a sound that is as haunting as it is powerful, enriched by the delicate yet striking presence of instruments such as the Irish tin whistle, duduk, and shakuhachi.
VGmates is more than just a musical collective; they are sonic storytellers, using their artistry to reflect the chaos, beauty, and complexity of the human condition. Their music is an intricate tapestry woven with emotions, deeply personal yet universally resonant. With a keen ability to channel introspection, social commentary, and raw emotional intensity into their sound, VGmates has become a voice for those who find themselves caught between despair and hope. The band’s compositions are not just songs; they are living, breathing entities, carrying the weight of real-world experiences and unfiltered emotion.
Released on February 24, 2025, Черным по белому || In Black and White is a visceral chronicle of a world shattered by conflict. With six meticulously crafted tracks, VGmates embarks on an unfiltered exploration of the emotional and physical toll of war, offering listeners a window into the stark realities of living through three years of relentless turmoil in Ukraine. At its core, Черным по белому || In Black and White is an album about contrasts, the loss of nuance in a world where there are no in-betweens, only devastation and survival. The music oscillates between soaring, ethereal beauty and crushing sonic intensity, reflecting the emotional duality of despair and resilience.
The haunting melodies, layered with electronic pulses and organic instrumentation, create an atmosphere that is both immersive and deeply affecting. From the opening track, Black and White World, which paints a chilling portrait of division and moral absolutes, to the final anthem, We Remain, which clings to hope despite the destruction, the album is a harrowing yet profoundly moving experience. Tracks like Pet the Cat offer biting social critique, while Irreversible mourns the inescapable scars of war. The instrumental piece Darkness plunges listeners into an abyss of uncertainty, while Time is No More laments the fleeting nature of life.
Черным по белому || In Black and White Album Track List:
Черно-белый мир (Black and White World):
VGmates deliver an electronic marvel with Черно-белый мир (Black and White World), a track that seamlessly fuses haunting atmospheres with rhythmic brilliance. Right from the opening notes, the track surrounds the audience in a haunting yet grand atmosphere, with lingering atmospheric synths crafting a sound landscape that appears both cinematic and surreal. The slow percussive accumulation hidden in the background introduces a sense of tension, seamlessly evolving into a bold rhythmic base. The synth progression, echoing a climax from an action film, enhances the track’s energetic dynamics, while the transition from an ambient-focused layout to a groove-oriented setup is simply flawless. Each component; throbbing basslines, elaborate rhythmic details, and sparkling guitar melodies merges effortlessly to craft a captivating auditory experience that stays both consistent and thrilling.
The performance of the lead singer adds an additional dimension, conveying the song’s lyrical spirit with an outstanding mix of emotion and mastery. The interaction between the vocals and the instruments is skillfully done, providing a balance of strength and nuance. Harmonies that resonate like orchestral surges introduce a fresh depth, elevating the song’s majesty while preserving an irresistible rhythmic cadence. Subtle rhythmic details and seamless transitions enhance the track’s complexity, guaranteeing that each play reveals something different. As an opening statement for the album, Черно-белый мир (Black and White World) is a bold and captivating introduction, one that promises an electrifying musical experience ahead.
Гладить кота (Pet The Cat):
With Гладить кота (Pet The Cat), VGmates craft a mesmerizing sonic experience that effortlessly blends elegance with infectious rhythm. The piece starts as a gentle piano ballad, flowing with peaceful, enveloping sounds that welcome the audience into a state of calm. Yet, this calm quickly transforms into a rhythmic, midtempo work of art, where the piano embellishments blend flawlessly with lush percussive elements and resonant, enchanting basslines. The change is seamless, fostering an environment that is elegant and undeniably captivating. The main female singer presents a performance of sheer elegance, her voice gentle, tranquil, and smoothly floating over the musical backdrop, infusing a feeling of warmth and closeness to the song’s captivating rhythm.
As the song advances, it adopts a warm, dance-friendly beat, similar to a Latin-inspired groove that radiates elegance and smoothness. A distinctive string melody brings an exotic touch, further enriching the track’s vibrant, elaborate composition. The groove stays reliably smooth and appealing, serving as the ideal backdrop for unwinding and easy motion. Its hypnotic quality and impeccable consistency ensure that Гладить кота (Pet The Cat) is not just a song but an experience, an irresistible blend of sophistication and groove that lingers long after the final note fades.
Времени нет (Time Is No More):
VGmates deliver an irresistible masterpiece with Времени нет (Time Is No More), a track so dynamic and addictive that it demands replay after replay. From its initial notes, the song creates a celestial and serious ambiance, similar to a soft summer wind murmuring through the atmosphere. The fragile string harmonies glide with a tranquil elegance, preparing the ground for the main vocalist’s voice, which effortlessly melds with the music to form an ethereal soundscape. As the track progresses, its sonic richness grows, revealing gentle, textured guitar riffs paired with a subtly rhythmic drum beat and elaborate percussive elements. This change turns the song into an enchanting sound experience, moving from serene elegance to a richer, rhythm-filled groove that enthralls with each note.
What genuinely lifts Времени нет (Time Is No More) into the realm of the exceptional is the heavenly flute solo, a moment of pure transcendence that imbues the song with a universal energy. This flute, reminiscent of ancient times, weaves through the audio landscape like a magical presence, leading the listener into a vast auditory realm. At that moment, just when the listener is eased into calmness, the music explodes with an intense surge of energy; raw, electrifying guitar sounds and a booming drum rhythm drive the song into a climactic peak. The song’s unpredictable quality leaves the listener in suspense, gasping with excitement at each shift and surprise. Nevertheless, amidst all its energetic changes, that flute continues to be a guiding presence, intertwining its enchantment into the song’s essence. Времени нет (Time Is No More) is not just a song, yes it’s an odyssey of sound, a breathtaking fusion of tranquility and power that lingers long after the final note fades.
This album offers more than just music; it serves as an emotional journey as well. For individuals who have experienced conflict, it provides a profoundly personal insight into their challenges. For outsiders observing from afar, it acts as a pressing reminder of the effects of conflict, compelling them to face difficult realities. The album’s skill in merging unrefined tales with intricate musicality makes it universally captivating, guaranteeing that its message crosses boundaries. VGmates have created an outstanding work with Черным по белому || In Black and White, an album that demands attention.
It is eerie, stunning, and unwavering in its depiction of war’s effects. The flawless combination of electronic components, live instruments, and strong lyricism makes it essential listening for enthusiasts of alternative and art rock. This album is ideally enjoyed in a single sitting, letting its story develop organically. Whether attracted by its poetic insights, its sharp critiques, or its stunning sonic artistry, In Black and White makes a lasting impression on the spirit. For those looking for an album that provokes thought, stirs emotions, and ultimately uplifts, Черным по белому || In Black and White is a must-hear.
For more information about VGmates, click on the icons below.
Listen to Черным по белому || In Black and White by VGmates and many more on our Rock/Electric Guitar Based Playlist.
