It’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years since the debut of VAIN “No Respect”. The band’s debut was in 1989, a year where there were so many releases it was easy to fall to the wayside. Their first album seemed to get more praise from the critics than other bands of the Glam genre, probably because it was very real and heartfelt.
It’s also hard to believe that their latest “Disintegrate Together” sounds like it could be the follow-up to their debut. Davy Vain still sounds great with his unique and quivering voice that sounds easily as cool as it did decades ago. As I go from track to track I’m really amazed at how he still sounds and how even the production has a similar vibe as it did years ago.
VAIN always walked a thin line between genres as they do again on this album. Yeah, there’s that 80’s vibe going, but his sound is still rooted more in the 70’s Glam scene in my opinion, and somewhere in there is a slight alternative and gothic feel as well. VAIN had a similar style of BANG TANGO and I hear some traces of SOUL ASYLUM too in a way. Regardless, they have a unique style that can be appreciated by people outside the “Hair Band” genre.
The album as a whole has a pretty solid rockin’ edge, there’s some noisy and raw guitar solos and the drums are really produced nicely. The band as a whole sounds like an old Aerosmith album, tight but loose at the same time if that makes any sense. They almost sound “live” in a way.
I can’t say there’s one stand out song, but rather a collection that works together to form an album. I did think the first 3 cuts, “Cold Like Snow”, “Don’t You Think” and “You Better Keep An Eye On That Girl” all had great tempo, nice hooks and kept me interested.
“Holding On For Love” was probably closest to their debut album, more specially it reminded me of “Beat The Bullet” from their debut. “Pictures Of You In Red” was another interesting cut that was outside the box to some degree as well.
As a whole this is a solid genre-bending Rock record. Davy’s a talented guy who’s obviously not lost a step as he’s maintained his amazing voice. If you’re in the mood for a record made the right way add this one to your collection.
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It’s been 6 long years since the San Francisco quintet’s last record, “Rolling With The Punches,” but VAIN IS BACK with what might very well be the best album of their career.
Blasting onto the Hard Rock scene in 1989 with their debut album “No Respect” and it’s lead off single “Beat The Bullet,” the band made magazine covers and girl’s bedroom walls alike with what is frequently hailed as one of the most underrated albums of all time.
Since then the different incarnations of VAIN have released seven more albums (one billed as a Davy Vain solo record), ranging in style from big 80’s hard rock, to 70’s big groove, to 60’s psychedelia before somehow making a full circle back to hard rock with 2011’s “Enough Rope.”
VAIN have dabbled in all these styles without ever losing their musical backbone or integrity, much due to the band’s highly original sound. Singer Davy Vain‘s unique voice is every bit as good as it was in 1989, as are his original way of writing vocal melodies – catchy, memorable and sleazy. Perfectly complimented by the outstanding guitarwork of lead guitarist Dylana Nova Scott – a world class guitarist – who’s choice of notes for solos go hand in hand with the vocals. Rock solid drummers Tommy Rikard and Louie Senor provide the beats and bassist Ashley Mitchell knows exactly when to play the rootnote and when to venture out in walking basslines.
So.… what do you expect from a new VAIN record? – Uptemo songs? – Big guitarsound? – Huge drums? – Great melodies, riffs and arrangements? – Hard Rock? – A fast bluesrocker? – Maybe a slower, moodier piece? “Disintegrate Together” has all this and more! Produced and mixed by Davy Vain himself, on his new board, this record is more organic than the last few albums, yet much “hotter” in sound, than the more organic VAiN records from the past. A meticulous blend of everything VAIN, for a timeless sound and record.
Check out the first single “Cold Like Snow” and rest assured, there is lots more where that came from!
