EP Review: Welcome To The End of The World

Labelled under the broad umbrella of “Dark Pop,” VÏKAE’s Welcome To The End of The World represents a culmination of two-and-a-half years of meticulous craft. Spanning seven tracks and a precise 23-minute runtime, this is undoubtedly the most ambitious and cohesive body of work she has released to date.

The EP opens with …Prelude that sets an immediate, haunting tone. Beginning with a gorgeous piano motif underpinned by dark, undulating synths and harmonic vocal textures, it seamlessly morphs into a dark pop dance groove. Clocking in at just 1:28, it acts as a tantalizing entry point—building momentum just enough to leave the listener craving the full journey ahead.

Track two, the title track Welcome To The End of The World, explodes into a massive, highly commercial dark pop anthem. Driven by strong, soaring vocals and an impeccably balanced mix over synth-heavy backings, the highlight comes at the 2:30 mark: a glorious breakdown where the drums drop out, allowing her voice to carry a striking, melodic buildup back into the final chorus. Picture a darker, more brooding Dua Lipa backed by flawless vocal technique.

Dangerous shifts the pace into a slower, more sombre register, touching subtly on classic jazz roots. VÏKAE’s vocal control here is staggering, complete with delicate vibratos that point to formal classical training. The minimalist breakdown just after two minutes, followed by a layered vocal buildup at 2:30, forms the emotional core of the track.

The fourth track, One x One, opens with an energetic Morse code signal before unfolding into an eerie, spacious soundscape. Where many artists feel compelled to crowd dead space, VÏKAE utilizes space to her distinct advantage. Her ability to let the instrumentation breathe keeps the ear primed for every subtle shift. Musically and lyrically, it captures the adventurous spirit of Lady Gaga or Halsey, demonstrating an exceptional range and versatility in vocal delivery.

On UR The Worst, the mood turns distinctly darker and sobering. The production and mixing are exemplary—every word is razor-sharp, every element carved into its own frequency without crowding the mix. Over simple, rhythmic drums, subtle harmonic layers elevate the track into something truly captivating.

Dig Deep delivers a sprawling, Billie Eilish-esque intro that gradually swells in intensity before dropping into a moody, intricate soundscape. Orchestral in its drama and scale, it balances raw power with immaculate restraint.

Closing out the EP is Memories…, a fragile, breathtaking ballad built around a simple piano line and raw vocal delivery. Enhanced by subtle vocal sampling and layered harmonies, it perfectly conveys the ache of a broken relationship and past times. Delicate, crisp, and emotionally resonant, it stands out as one of the finest single tracks of the year and a crowning moment for the EP.

Welcome To The End of The World is an extraordinary accomplishment. Meticulously produced, brilliantly performed, and utterly uncompromising in its vision, it establishes VÏKAE firmly at the forefront of New Zealand’s modern pop landscape.