Review: VanGoGo’s single ‘Both of Us’

Detroit rock outfit Van Go Go has demonstrated a propensity for releases blending thoughtful, adult-friendly lyrics with an ebullient bed of sounds. On its latest release, “Both of Us,” the band raises its art to another level.

“Both” considers the age-old deliberation of what makes a relationship succeed—Is it fate or the work into it? Pondering the question, vocalist Nathan Mackinder infuses the lyrics and vocals with a cerebral and sweet quality. (At the Rock at Night editorial offices, we found his effort here reminiscent of Jim Kerr.)

Not to be overlooked are the sonics from Jason Schaller’s fretwork, Paxton Olney and Jonah Brockman’s rhythms, and Chuck Alkazian’s keyboards and mix. The lads generate a soaring, intricate carrier for Mackinder’s vocals, but it’s never forced or heavy-handed. Much like the lyrics’ subject, the work put into this makes it sound effortless, an engaging listen. As Jason of the band has hinted of a forthcoming album, “Both” is a taste of ambitious efforts from the group in 2021.