There are a lot of alternative bands in which a guy and girl sing in unison. Groups like The Young Evils, Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Chamber Band and Broods all make use of this style to some extent.
The Vaselines, however, have been making jangly dual-vocalist alternative music since 1986. It’s no surprise, then, that they are very good at it. “V For Vaselines,” the group’s second release since re-forming after a 16-year breakup, is thoroughly rooted in the indie sound members helped pioneer almost three decades ago.
Eugene Kelly, the band’s male guitarist and vocalist, cited the Ramones as a significant influence on the composition of “V For Vaselines.” This is apparent right off the bat on album opener “High Tide Low Tide,” a catchy and repetitive pop-punk song about being lonely on the waterfront. It’s simplistic in the way a Ramones song is simplistic: there’s not much below the surface, but the fuzzed-up melodic surface is all that matters. Though the Ramones comparison holds up, songs like this also feel perfectly in step with earlier Vaselines releases, like 1989 song “Monsterpussy.”
When the pair isn’t singing in unison, lead vocal duties are split fairly evenly. The album’s second track, “The Lonely L.P.,” showcases frontwoman Francis McKee, whose voice is as pure and lilting as ever. The Vaselines, unlike so many other bands from across the Atlantic, sing proudly, with their Irish accents intact.
“V For Vaselines” is a highly guitar-driven album, with most songs’ arrangements focusing on overdriven rhythm guitar. This makes sense, given the album’s punk influences, but it would be nice to see more variety in instrumentation. In this sense, the band has made a departure from what once made them so unique. Though the core of their instrumental style has always championed straightforward rhythm guitar, their best songs stood out thanks to some additional element. On “V For Vaselines,” interesting additions like a cello accompaniment on the classic “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” are nowhere to be found.
The project is mostly a fun album — and it’s a good Vaselines record — but it’s very one-note. There are no songs which could really be considered bad, but by the middle of the album everything begins to blend together. Creatively speaking, it’s all very safe.
The album definitely does not hold up under more than a couple repeat listens. The sound of the songs may be punk-influenced, but almost every track passes the three-minute mark. This is a bit of a musical oxymoron (you’ll be hard-pressed to find a classic Ramones song which reaches three minutes long), and it makes “V For Vaselines” somewhat exhausting to listen to all the way through.
Still, this is a mostly solid album, and it’s fun to listen to when taking a few songs at a time. Even those who only know the Vaselines as the band Nirvana covered on “Unplugged In New York” ought to give the album at least a partial listen, as it does have some really great moments. That said, the album’s lack of creative risk-taking means one listening is enough.
Read More
Joe Gatto brings his prank-fueled comedy to Old Cabell Hall
By Ty Lolak | YesterdayFormer “Impractical Jokers” star Joe Gatto’s performance was filled with references to his time on the show, making it an especially memorable experience for longtime fans of his work.
Peter Gould offers valuable insight during a Q&A with “Better Call Saul” class
By Leena Fraihat | 5 days agoWhat resulted was a delightful exchange of ideas between an esteemed industry professional and dedicated, inquisitive students.
The educator’s bookshelf — a list of must reads from U.Va. professors
By Cooper Carlson | 6 days agoFor any student unsure of what their first post-finals read should be, look no further than the favorite books of these four academics.
