V. Majestic - Dynamic Alloy Lite Fuse – CD
http://vmajestic.com This is some weird
freaked out shit. I love it. The remind me of a laid back surreal Gooding.
Synthesizers, French Horns, trumpet, drums and bass get into an experimental
groove. Most of the tunes are instrumental. On the tunes that do have vocals,
they end up sounding like samples. It’s a modern day electronica jazzy
fuzz jam and I like it.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
V. Majestic - For Educational Use Only – CD
http://vmajestic.com This is a wonderful
instrumental CD fueled by synth and horns, with a nice underlying of guitar
and bass and driving drums. Track two is just phenomenal, and reminds me
a bit of legendary local band, Tooba Blooze. My only complaint with
this release is that while the pentagon packaging of this CD is cool in
it’s uniqueness, it really isn’t practical.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Vandals - Look What I Almost Stepped In... - CD
(Nitro Records)
What a great Pop Punk band and what a great album! I'm thoroughly impressed
and laughing my ass off! All this coming from a guy who, more often than
not, is required to review scads of Pop Punk records and frankly is getting
bored with the overwhelming volume of that sort of music.
It's weird; I discovered The Vandals years ago, and thought they were great (most people have come to that same conclusion). In their early days, they seemed to have that irreverent Jello Biafra / Dead Kennedy’s kinda thing going, and seeing their performance in one of my all-time favorite cult classic films: Suburbia, added to their Punk icon status. Over the years since then, things have changed and members have changed. They don't sound ANYTHING like they did back then, but that doesn't mean they suck. Hell no! On the contrary, they have reformulated their sound and changed with the times. They have become a fantastic and funny new breed of the old school. It might seem that they should take on a new name, but with a name, which has such weight and credibility, why fuck up a good thing?!
I got a kick out of the cover artwork and how it relates to the title.
It's a classic 50s style cartoon illustration of a matador holding up a
pile of bull shit while the bull stands on his hind legs glaring at the
man in humiliation. The songs themselves are one chuckle after another,
and I honestly couldn't find a song I don't like. The first track, "Behind The
Music", is an insider's look at the music industry with all of its
petty annoyances and disappointments. Here's an excerpt from the lyrics:
"So we've got a couple stations, we're in medium rotation, but the
PD isn't sure if the single's gonna work, cuz he's gotta play the Cure and
the Psychedelic Turds, for the 80s flashback weekend", and it ends
with, "You can kiss my ass!". The second song is poignantly addressed
to all of the young fuck-ups who've taken their parent's money and care
for granted and wasted their college educations. Then there's a brief series
of songs pertaining to the humorous side of difficult love relationships,
including "Jackass" which starts out sounding like a Blink
182 hit single. This cut seems to be about dating a girl in a
band who no longer has time for the relationship. "Kick It (You're
Not The Boss Of Me)", another one about relationships, has a catchy
chorus: "Do you wanna kick it with me? I wanna kick it with you",
and has a great little keyboard flourish reminiscent of old Cars songs.
Then it's followed by the harsh reply song: "I'm The Boss Of Me".
The next track begins with a salute to The Beach Boys' classic "Good
Vibrations", and hilariously discusses the constant dilemma of having
an obnoxious girlfriend who can't act decently in public. "Get A Room"
is about disgusting public displays of affection, hence the title. I could
go on and on about this Pop Punk masterpiece, but why don't you hear what
I'm ranting and raving about for yourself?
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)
Vanishing Point - Tangled in Dream - CD
(Limb Music)
Australian band Vanishing Point offers us a CD
of progressive metal. The vocalist often reminds me of David Coverdale (Whitesnake)
singing for a heavier progressive metal. Progressive metal fan will probably
love this CD. The CD often find it was to the classic Fates Warning
sound. If you must have every progressive metal release, you wil probably
enjoy this, but I much prefer Fates Warning releases.
-- Johnny Death (2001)
Vapourspace - Sonic Residue from Vapourspace - CD
(Magna Carta Records)
Variant Cause - 1980s Pacific Northwest Volume 2 - CD
(Variant Cause)
What you have here is a indie band from the mid 1980's who put out a few
DIY cassette tapes and now with technology they were able to transfer the
music to CD so that a whole new generation will be able to hear their music
and their loyal fans will have something to replace their worn out or lost
cassettes. While it's not the greatest, it's not all that bad. Variant
Cause has a '80s rock sound mixed with a pinch of '80s new wave and
at times '50s grooves. I found the music toe tappin', but the vocals are
lacking. The vocal quality could also be blamed on the production quality,
which is '80s DIY. The opening tune "For the Fun of It" is a perfect example
of how a catchy tune can be unbearable due to crappy lyrics. They channel
the ghost of Jerry Lee Lewis (oh wait he's not dead) on "I Faced
the Insomnia Squad" the last and best tune on the disc. All the songs in
between, are well. in between if you know what I mean.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Varukers,The - How Do You Sleep????? - CD
(Go Kart Records)
Taking their cues from early Suicidal Tendencies and meshing it with
hardcore punk agony. This band gets in your face like a jar headed drill
Sargent and makes you shut up and listen.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Varukers - Singles and Rarities - CD
(Punk Core Records)
Late 70's street punk. Rough
guitar and vocals, singing in heavy british accents and being pissed off...that's
what Varukers are all about.
-- Mite Mutant (2003)
Zera Vaughan - Back to the Roots - CD
(Zera Vaughan)
I thought I was really going to love this release when the first song kicked
in. "Alamaz" had a nice middle-east grove going on and Zera's vocals
had an exotic tone to them. The thing I didn't like is that the production
sounded a bit muddy. The second song had the same type of feel, but something
didn't set right. I realized what it was the further I got into the release.
Zera's vocals just lacked passion. Couple this with songs that progressively
move into the light pop range and I lost all interest.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
Vehicle - The Grease Spot - CD
(Vehicle) Vehicle is a three man jam band that’s down with the funk
and the blues. They get down and funky on “Cheatin’ by the Rules”, while
“Runnin in the Mud” is a blues jam with a sound and vocals that are reminiscent
of early ZZ Top. The highlight of the real jammin’ part of this jam
band happens with the track “On the Way Out,” where the musicians get the
chance to really show off their skills. The end the release on a high note
with the funky groove tune “I Don’t Mind.” There were a couple of tunes
where it seemed like the band tried to squeeze too much into a song to a
point where it became muddled, but for the most part this is one solid release.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Venice Underground - Venice Underground - CD
(5.1 Entertainment Group 2231 S. Carmelina Ave LA, CA 90064) VU play
fast paced hyped up trace/electronica music with hypnotic female vocals.
This disc is perfect for a rave or anytime that you want your body to move
like crazy and flow with the beats. I've always wanted a CD like this and
now I have one and can be happy.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Velcro Stars - Hiroshima's Revenge - CD
(Happy Happy Birthday To
Me Records) This release stars off with a snotty/nerd pop punk male
vocal track supported by a nice guitar, drum and bouncy synth alternative
rock sound. All the elements converge wonderfully on the mellow and catchy
tune “Hiroshima’s Revenge.” I also enjoyed “Brand New” which has a nice
little early ‘90s quirkiness to it. A couple of female lead vocal tracks
pop up half way through the release. Along with the pumping synth, they
help give “Another Winter” a bouncy feel. An overall catchy release.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Velvet - Where Are the People? - CD
(Eskimo Kiss
Records) This band has a laid back alternative sound with male and
female vocals taking the lead on various songs. Some of the songs I can
get into and some are just so/so. A nice mellow jam.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
The Velvet Teen - Immortality -7"
(Pandacide Records)
From the fine folks at Pandacide Records comes this lovely 7" picture
disc from the melodic band The Velevet Teen. The 7" starts off with
the catch tune "Stay with Me" and with it's sprite melodies and light vocals
helps set the structure for the other songs on the release. My hands down
favorite is "No One Will Ever Love You." However, every song is a winner
here.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Vertigo Butterfly - 1932 - CD
(Vertigo Butterfly)
While the guitar playing is technically excellent on this release by the
duo that call themselves Vertigo Butterfly, it’s just not all that
interesting. The female vocals are of the “dime a dozen” variety and are
even less interesting. This is just not a CD that I would recommend.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Vervein - Vast Low Cities - CD
(Vervein) Vervein
is an interesting band out of Frisco who happen to be all women, are totally
indie and even include a cello on a few tunes. But beyond these facts is
that they sound great. They remind me of a mellower Fair Verona but
with more depth. Their songs have a hypnotic feel about them and a way of
capturing your thoughts and emotions. I really like the intertwining vocals
and the way the musical lines merge with one another. A great CD to listen
to when you're feeling a bit mellow.
-- Grog Mutant (2003)
Vervein - The Weather Outside - CD
(Vervein) The CD starts
with a tune that comes off as a dark Cure inspired waltz, with haunting
female vocals and just takes off from there. The spirited combination of
the vocals, the steady rhythm of the drums and airy guitar all add up to
a strong ethereal rock sound. This is the sort of release that I would expect
to find on the 4AD record label.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
The Vestals - The Vestals - CD
(Warming House
Records) If you're a fan of the Beatles, then you are almost
guaranteed to like this fine release by The Vestals. Their guitar
driven sound is modern day Beatles with hints of a Radiohead.
This is very apparent on the George Harrison sounding "Childhood
Timeouts". Two of my favorite songs on this CD, "Three Girls Ago" and "Too
Late to Say Goodbye" are reminiscent of the late '80s early '90s band Redd
Kross. The lyrics and vocals are solid throughout. Give it a listen;
you'll be happy you did.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
(Financial Records) Victims of Circumstance are 1/2 punk and 1/2 ska and boy do they Kick Ass! This CD starts off with the solid pop punk tune "My Fate" and is quickly followed by the catchy ska song "Could've Been Nice". The horns are a bit muted, but they give the ska tunes a bit of uniqueness. While I do like their cover of Elton John's "Daniel", I felt that the cover of Social Distortion's "Ball and Chain" was pretty weak. I will have to say that when you listen to this release "Me and Alex P. Keaton" is a must listen to song. This is a keeper.
-- Mite Mutant (2008)
The Vigilantes - City Lights that Lead The Way - CD
(GMM Records)
More goods from GMM Records. Unlike their label mates A Global
Threat, The Vigilantes have a more 77 type o' thang going on.
midtempo punk with lots of those "wooahwoo" backing vocals that
we all dig so much. I'm real happy when I see records like this, one's that
confirm to me that there still is an underground punk thing going on. In
shitty little bars and all ages clubs all across this great land of ours
you can see stuff like this every weekend. I wouldn’t want it any
other way.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Vigilantes,The - No Destiny - CD
(TKO / Flat Records)
The music is good solid punk rock. However, the vocals sounded like a 7”
that is supposed to be played at 45rpm being played at 33rpm. Either that
or the band has Mush Mouth for a lead singer
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Villebillies - Villebillies - CD
(Universal Motown)
When this CD came in I was a bit skeptical. Here you had a large group of
white boys who are attempting to put their spin on pop/r&b/rap and they
called themselves Villebillies. Boy was I wrong. This is one killer
CD. The first two songs “Whisky” and “Burning Down the House” with their
groove which are reminiscent of The Black Eyed Peas are nothing short
of amazing.
They give a Southern Rock treatment to “Rolling Stone”, while they break out the banjo and harmonica as they rap bluegrass style on “Ol’ Faithful”. “Mary” and “I Got Moves” both have a funky groove that will have you boppin’ around uncontrollably. The choose to do straight on hip hop rap on “Talkin Stupid” and “Hey”, giving the later a rock steady treatment with banjo taking part in the festivities.
In fact you will be hard put to find one bad song on this release. This
CD is simply amazing and is the first to be on my top 10 list for 2007.
If this band isn’t being featured in all of the music magazines by the end
of the year, then there is definitely something wrong with the mainstream
music industry today.
-- Mite Mutant (2007)
Vincent, Sonny - Parallax in Wonderland - CD
(Devil Doll Records)
Man, this shit is rockin' !!! Sounds like they are intentionally going for
the old '70s New York punk rock sound and it works like a charm! I've heard
a whole lot of this type of music being released lately, and I might burn
out on it soon, but if it's done extremely well like Sonny Vincent
does, I can handle it. Oddly, although they've got a similar sound to early
Iggy and the Stooges / Dead Boys / etc., there are a few cuts
on this disc that vocally remind me of Urge Overkill. Weird... Anyway,
if you love fast guitar heavy rock-n-roll, then go get this album!
-- Tom CoreKill (2001)
Vinyl Dies - When Things Go Wrong - CD
AAA from some young locals, in the vein of (and I say this loosely) Sixpence
None the Richer. Excellent familial vocals—worth a listen!
-- Regan (2001)
Virgin Black - Sombre Romantic - CD
(The End Records)
This is awesome. Try to imagine Black Light for a Blue Girl
infused with classical music. A dark Dead Can Dance performing a
somber rock opera soundtrack. Never have I heard a cello and choir infused
with the traditional band set up utilized so well. The gothic tones of this
release took my breath away from the opening note and held it captive until
the final note. Truly unbelievable.
-- Mite Mutant (2002)
Virulent Strain - Torture Tools - CD
(Rodent Popsicle
Records) Loud, fast hardcore fronted by a woman, which makes them stand
a bit apart from all the other hardcore bands out there. The music is decent
but her screaming just doesn't do it for me. Actually I'm usually not into
the harsh hardcore with a lot of screaming. As for female singers I think
the hardest I like is something like Pet UFO or Naked Aggression.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Virus Nine - What Are You Afraid Of? - CD
(A-F Records)
As you can see this release is on AF Records which means that they
are similar in style to the band which started A-F...the mighty Anti-Flag.
If you like street punk then you'll love everything on this label including
Virus Nine. Looking through their thanks list you can see quite
a few street punk bands and the like. Their third track "March of
the Thug"” is a great take on "When Johnny came Marching
Home" and as far as street punk bands go I think they rate up there
with the better ones such as Anti-Flag and L.E.S./ Stitches,
U.S. Bombs and the Swingin’ Utters. Oi! Oi! Oi!
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Vishez Fishez - Broken - CD
(Vishez Fishez)
After listening to this home recording from Vishez Fishez, my best
advice for the musician behind this release is just give it up. The music
and lyrics are nothing more than basic rock. I don’t know what else to say.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Vision - Introspection - CD
(VMI) Vision
is a gospel / R&B vocal group with amazing voices and soaring harmonies.
This really isn't my favorite genre, but I would have to be deaf to not
appreciate their talent and skills. They build amazing vocal harmonies on
beds of reggae and Caribbean rhythms that are at once uplifting and danceable.
-- Grog Mutant (2007)
Vitriol - Vitriol - CD
(Neurot Recordings)
This release is basically just experimental soundscapes. There are really
aren't any songs structured in the traditional sense, it's more the combination
of different sounds. Stuff like this never really did anything for me personally,
but I know that there are people out there who love this kind of thing.
If you're one of them, then give this CD a try.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)
Bill Vivino - Bill Vivino - CD
(Bill Vivino)
Sappy is the best way to describe this release. My mother use to listen
to this type of ailing music in the ‘70s. I didn’t like it then and I don’t
like it now. This makes Air Supply seem like a hard rock band. Crapola.
-- Mite Mutant (2006)
Volcanic - Fluffer - CD
(Ruf Records)
I guess I'd call this Indienoise? Closest in concept to the B-52's
or the Violent Femmes.
-- Regan(2001)
Voodoo Glow Skulls – Symbolic – CD
(Epitaph Records)
I was really looking forward to this release since I love ska
and Voodoo Glow Skulls are one of the best of this style. However
other than the first track "We're Back" it seemed to be meaningless
ska sounds for the sake of making a CD. I just didn't get much out of this
and am disappointed. Luckily there are a multitude of ska bands around
and I can go elsewhere for some skanking action.
-- Grog Mutant (2001)
Vulgar Pigeons - Genetic Predisposition - CD
(Howling Bull America)
I love the artwork for this CD. Too bad the music (screaming over churning
music) sucks.
-- Mite Mutant (2001)