Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Vines "Future Primitive"


Always liked this band.  When everyone was jumping on the Strokes bandwagon, I was touting this Aussie export.  They had their fair share of domestic success, essentially riding the garage-rock-revival wave that the Strokes initiated.  The Strokes, however, have built upon their foundation while the Vines have undermined theirs.  The Vines leader basically imploded their momentum by yelling and screaming at fans, press, other bandmates, you name 'em.  He was eventually diagnosed with Asperger's, but the damage had been done. I, on the other hand, still enjoyed their records and was happy to see them featured prominently on the iPod commercial which helped introduce the new player, when was that...2005?  I always liked the melodies mixed with a psychedelic hand, allowing the songs to stand out from other similar sounding bands.  Though the songs were shorter in length than my usual comfort zone, there was always a lot going on within.  On "Future Primitive", the tracks are just short...

I gave this album the three requisite spins, and the hooks never set.  I was bummed.  There is a different vibe here, a very 60's/Beatles Red-era/Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs kinda thing, which is great if you love two-minute crunchy pop songs, i.e....



Tell me he doesn't sound like Scott Weiland.  What does that remind me of?  Anyway, I understand they are touring in support of the album, which is good since it didn't initially sell very well Down Under and at all here.  I believe there is an audience for it, but I've abandoned ship.  As much as I hate to say it, I'm keeping nothing, nada, not a single slice.  If the rumored subsequent album surfaces, I won't spring for it like I did this one.


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