THE VIBES - review added 23rd July 2009
Album Review: Whiskey, Sex & Rock'n'Roll (2009)
For fans of: Punk Rock'n'Roll... and Toblerones
The Vibes describe themselves as 3 rebels from Aarau, Switzerland. Apart from a selection of trilateral chocolate products, I wasn't aware there was anything rebellious in Switzerland... so the existence of this band can only be good news.
The line-up is, wait for this, MoJo (vocals, guitar and, er, whiskey bottles), Matlock (vocals, bass, organ and blues harp), Stuntman Jack ('longhorn' drums). It's not clear whether MoJo plays or drinks the whiskey bottles, but we'll assume for the sake of argument he does both.
The band play a retro rock 'n' roll with a modern attitude. They sound like the real deal too - not wannabe kids pretending to be aggressive because that's what people want. The songs are well constructed and follow a cleverly defined sound. That sound may not be massively original, but it works.
The title track kicks things off with the phrase 'I love fuckin' with an audience'. You don't doubt it for a second. It's a raucous number with wild, beautifully played guitars and a crazy blues harp hook. The vocals are laid back but as rough as a carpenter's calluses. The rhythms belt along like a boulder tumbling down an Alp. 'Keep The Kettle Boiling' has a self-assured sound that's totally at odds with the punk feel the album possesses elsewhere. It's a mid paced mellow song with a lake of Bohemian passion bubbling beneath the surface.
'Devil's Nipples' is, to say the least, an unusually titled track. Yes, they really do sing about the Devil's nipples. It's an organ-led track with an unmistakable 70's twang. It isn't the best song on the album but you have to respect the references to Beelzebub's milk dispensers. 'Bed Rebel' is presumably a reference to sub-duvet prowess. It's a funky song, but the singer sounds like he's impersonating an upset baby. Not so good.
You really wouldn't know this band came from Switzerland. They sound like a UK punk band crossed with a Southern rock 'n' roll outfit and the Dandy Warhols. The album features fine performances all round, especially the guitar playing. The end result isn't necessarily my thing, but I'd totally understand if you loved this. The Vibes have a great 'vibe' and there's no way they'll be anything but a riot live.
Check out... 'Bed Rebel' and see what you think...
Track List:
1. Whiskey, Sex & Rock'n'Roll
2. Somin' Ace
3. On My Way
4. Ride Your Horse Down
5. Keep The Kettle Boiling
6. Devil's Nipples
7. Bed Rebel
8. Whiskey Flavoured Love
9. The Warlords Of Tennessee
10. Whiskey'n'Bones
11. Fatten The Cattle
Artist's website(s): The Vibes , MySpace
