Following on from the release of their self titled debut album in May 2008, the band released their follow up, 'Everything Goes Wrong', in September of last year, and it is only now that the band have made it over for a full set of dates across the country.
Bringing with them their brand of surf, tropical punk and lo-fi indie, the Vivian Girls performed to a sell out crowd, to a warm reception.
With their Beach Boys like vocals and harmonies, over a blend of jangly guitar chords, and suitably care free drumming, the band definitely impressed, but seemed to lack an edge to their music when performed live, lacking energy and power in some of their songs.
However, this was more than compensated by all three members using their beautiful voices to create some excellent harmonies, especially on 'Second Date'.
Racing through their set, the band offered little in the way of interaction, except for calls for the audience to dance, and to thank them for coming, instead taking the option to squeeze in as many songs as they could into their hour long set.
With the majority of their songs not lasting more 2 minutes, the audience certainly got their money's worth, with songs such as 'Tell the World', 'Wild Eyes' and their cover of The Chantels' 'He's Gone', all going down very well.
Since their formation in March 2007, the band have slowly built up a strong following and gained great respect from the likes of Pitchfork, leading to support slots with the likes of the late Jay Reatard, the King Kahn & BBQ Show and Sonic Youth, and with the recent surge in popularity for their genre and style, the band are enjoying high press acclaim and sold out shows across the country.
With an extensive tour across America planned for the next few months, including shows at the South by South West festival in Texas, it's almost a certainty that the band will be back in Europe for the summer festivals, and they?re definitely going to be the perfect soundtrack.
Although they lack a hard, knife like punk edge, they're still a great talent, something different to what's out there at the moment, and with voices, and a look like theirs, they can't fail to impress. I went into the gig expecting something more, but what I left with was something completely different. A different view of the band, after my first impressions were proved wrong, and they went onto impress me greatly, and it's easy to see why they're so respected.
article by: Anthony Hetherington
published: 29/01/2010 12:23
FUTURE GIGS
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