Self-described death-pop duo VOWWS write buzzing, hook-filled songs that thread together influences such as new wave, surf rock, goth, and film scores. The duo's music is dark and dreamy yet focused and energetic, prioritizing melodies and warmth while experimenting with unconventional song structures and textures. The group's 2015 debut album, The Great Sun, featured a collaboration with synth pop pioneer Gary Numan, and the duo subsequently shared the stage with Deftones, Cold Cave, and the Soft Moon.
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Rizz and Matt lived in New York City for a few years, releasing an album under the name WAZU in 2012. Refining their blend of synth pop, metal, industrial, and other influences, the duo issued a self-titled EP as VOWS in 2013. In 2015, the duo relocated to Los Angeles and signed with Cleopatra Records, releasing full-length The Great Sun under the altered name VOWWS that year. Gary Numan guested on the single "Losing Myself in You," and Swans drummer Thor Harris also contributed to the album. The duo spent the next few years writing new material and playing gigs with bands such as Sextile and Prayers. In 2018, VOWWS' second album, Under the World, was released by Weyrd Son Records, and the duo toured across North America with Soft Kill. After VOWWS appeared at the Dia de los Deftones festival in San Diego that November, Deftones leader Chino Moreno appeared on "Structure of Love II," a reworked version of a song off Under the World. ~ Paul Simpson