‘Optimism is not a Curse’ is the debut LP from Glasgow-based four-piece VIVA STEREO. Produced by one time Teenage Fanclub drummer Brendan O’Hare and Reindeer Section contributor Marcus Mackay there’s a distinctly Scottish feel to this record. From the initial lazy beats, electronic oscillations and rhythmic guitar of first track, ‘Copper Wire’, Optimism is not a Curse seems set to pick up the baton dropped by chief experimentalists the Beta Band, but it soon becomes clear that Viva Stereo have other, bigger influences. The Jesus and Mary Chain and later-day Primal Scream are regular points of reference, plus there’s a more contemporary parallel - if they’re not already, Viva Stereo are going to be sick of people comparing them to Kasabian.
But it’s all too easy to draw comparisons; Optimism is not a Curse is an album that deserves to be judged on its own merits. Viva Stereo’s sound is founded on looping bass lines, lolloping guitars and lolling synths, but the record is diverse; the tracks vary in pace with each of these elements used sometimes in moderation, sometimes in prolonged surges.
‘Cabin Fever’ is like a thumping hangover – all pounding drums and pulsating electro-growls – but its ferocity is tempered beautifully by some sparingly employed acoustic strings. ‘Try Harder’ is a much less hectic, more reflective affair between a loose-fitting bass line, intertwined delayed guitars and sincere vocals. ‘Memo to Self’ is a poppier track that begins: ‘how did I end up walking home at 8am? To memory: remind me not to drink again’ – it’s a statement that most of us have uttered at some point, meaning it’s just as easy to associate with the song’s sing-along chorus, ‘don’t be so hasty ‘cause this party never ends.’
|
‘Wake’ begins as a more traditional ballad, its vocals revelling in their sentimentality before stepping up a gear into a progressive jam, like a car turning onto an empty freeway and driving for miles, just for the sake of it.
Viva Stereo bring a quiet freshness to a tried and tested formula of electro-rock and are certainly worth checking out. After all, everybody needs influences and there’s nothing wrong with recycling if the ideas are good and you can make them your own.
|
