- There are no radical surprises to be found on Vital Idles new sub-ten-minute EP, but there is a solid selection of four distinctive and propulsive new tunes. Their sound blends sonic hallmarks of '60’s rock’n’roll and proto-punk with a modern post-punk sensibility, landing somewhere between The Modern Lovers, Kleenex and Total Control.
Where their first 7” My Sentiments / The Garden dispensed with a duality of starry-eyed sentimentality and Left Hand was largely subjugated by feelings of inadequacy and conformity, the new EP retorts with an airing of repressed feelings, rage, loss of control, and fragmented selfhood (“There’s no worry / when there’s no whim”) (Just bein’ my careful extracts).
The rhythms are steady through the four tracks, never pausing too long to reconsider their momentum as flurries of unpredictable guitar and voice exchange heated jabs from across the room. Break A sees a steady garage rock groove pitted against the dual lead eruptions of vocals and guitar. Each exchanging surges of energy, seeming to go blow for blow. (“Break a window, leave a door, keep an eye”).
Seconds offers a little slack with its plodding street-smart monologue and a tasteful spattering of slide guitar before Rustle Rustle tightens up again around a building tidal wave of a lead riff and vocal undulations, lapsing into a brief snap of guitar chaos.
By not playing too heavily with contrasts, Vital Idles EP leaves it wanting of a bit more variety to sink the teeth into. Yet the ample and violent offering of memorable riffs and exclamations delivers a bright burst of energy and a continuing statement of purpose and intention that leaves appetites whetted for more.
- Jaden Gallagher.