The Vow
Spacedust EP
Wednesday 16th of February 2011
Having downed tools for some twenty years, The Vow are making a return with an album of new material. Spacedust EP contains a sneak preview of the record and is a surprisingly young sounding record for a band that are on their second time around the block.
There is definitely a nineties groove to this record, hints of Suede, The Bluetones, Radiohead, Cast and even Pulp brought to life through solid guitar skills, assured vocals and a great rhythm section.
'Spacedust' provides a perfect introduction with a teasingly long stripped down verse that eventually leads to the clean guitar-led sound that the band do so well. There are some strong harmonies in the chorus and a tuneful solo. This really is a good song.
The drums and bass lead the way in 'The Dust On My Halo', which along with 'For A Dreamer' remind me a little of Space - perhaps partly down to the social storytelling in the second of these songs.
'Bluer Than You' is a lot more chirpy that you'd think. A bouncy track with whirling Hammond organ. The lyrics reveal a different tone, though, very clearly painting an anti-love-song with wonderful detail.
This record reminds you just how good British guitar bands are. Maybe its time for BritPop's second wave?
Author: Michael Beck
Label: Self-Released
Found in: Record Reviews