Saigon You Crazy Diamonds: Viet Cong check in

Viet Cong’s dark post-punk and nihilistic lyrics suggest their debut long-player was created in a grim industrial UK northern town in the late ‘70s rather than a snow-covered Calgary studio in the second decade of the 21st century. It bristles with elements of Gang Of Four, Cabaret Voltaire and Joy Division.

“That’s the music we listen to in the van driving around: late 70s/early 80s UK post punk,” affirms singer Matt Flegel.
The outfit comprises vocalist/bassist Flegel and former Women bandmate drummer Mike Wallace, plus guitarists Scott Munro and Daniel Christiansen. Following an onstage bust-up Women entered an indefinite hiatus in 2010 and, after the death of their guitarist Christopher Reimer in 2012, disbanded – prompting Flegel to form Viet Cong.
The debut outing Cassette in 2013 garnered rave reviews and paved the way for their self-titled opus. Its complex sonic structures and variegated palette ensured much kudos upon release.
“It’s doing extremely well, beyond anyone’s expectations. I don’t think any of us thought we were recording a piece of shit at the time. We certainly didn’t think it would get this great response! It has kind of blown us away!” he laughs.
It is rare to read an interview (this one included) without a reference to lauded art rock combo Women. Does this bother Flegel?
“Not at all! If anything we take advantage of it!” he smiles. “It’s not something I want to get away from. On the other hand, this is a very different outfit.”
The death of his former bandmate Reimer has left an indelible mark on the songwriter and this current collection.
“It’s always in your subconscious, you become more aware of things and you try to be more present. It’s a difficult thing when the majority of people are just looking at a screen in the palm of their hands all the time. I think when people die it makes you lift your head up and become more aware,” he muses.
Viet Cong are Dublin-bound for a date in May and have been touring extensively in the US of late, including a batch of successful shows at SXSW. Over the years Flegel toured the world extensively with his previous act and is enjoying bringing new songs to a fresh audience. Best road memory then?
“I remember Colin Newman from Wire came to one of Women’s London shows. That blew my mind!”