I took some serious heat for liking The Vines when their debut, Highly Evolved, was released in 2002. Linked by mainstream publications with three other bands, as part of a "garage rock revolution," the Vines faced a backlash much quicker than the others. Their follow-up, 2004's Winning Days was quite mediocre, and when the band canceled a tour and singer Craig Nicholls was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, few expected to see the Vines ever again. Alas, today sees the release of their third album, Vision Valley, but don't expect it to win over any naysayers. In fact, it has potential to turn off even the most devoted fan.Lead single "Don't Listen to the Radio" is a bizarre combination of Beach Boy-style verses, with a chorus reminiscent of Nirvana. It's a rather outdated rally cry, with rock stations switching formats in major markets and given the fact that their sound is more similar to acts receiving radio play (Jet, Velvet Revolver) than anyone who isn't. The comparison to Nirvana can be attached to nearly every song, and the album plays like a leftover demo from the early nineties. Unable to rekindle the energy and excitement of that first album, the heavier songs are almost unbearable. Titles include "Fuk Yeh," "Futuretarded," and "Gross Out," which bites the riff from their biggest hit "Get Free" while Nicholls screams out, "Come on/let me feel the gross out" with all the gusto of a high school sophomore.
Only on the softer songs does the trio (and sometimes quartet) sound anything like a group that once played the MTV Video Music Awards. They always had the knack for a soft, sunshine 60's-flavored tune that could win me over, and those are the only good moments on Vision Valley. The atmospheric "Spaceship" and the psychedelic folk of "Take Me Back" save the listening experience from being a total wash.
2 (out of 5)
::Previously::
1 The Vines Return: Are You Excited?
::if you liked (or were disappointed by) this record, you should really check out Ambulance LTD's New English EP (review)
3 comments:
I think I remember them when they first came out...it sounded more like noise than music.
I did like Highly Evolved quite a lot. It didn't prove to have rotational stay in my player but I was really fond of it at the time. Shame about the new cd. The local paper gave it 2.5 today.
I heard that Craig's written enough songs for a further 5 albums. "Highly Evolved" was a fantastic debut, "Winning Days" was O.K., and although I haven't got the new album, I'll listen to the stream. Thanks.
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