Denver based Vaux have had a pretty good year. Critical acclaim infested their ‘There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them’ CD earlier this year, a record that took jaunty off-kilter rock and meshed it into a melting pot which had emo, hardcore and everything in-between chucked in for good measure. ‘Plague Music’ is a five-track EP released on Equal Vision and follows on with a Blood Brothers meets STUN kinda sound that is, well, interesting.
‘Celibate Good Times’ is a relatively good example of what Vaux are all about. There’s a hint of a melody, but the songs show some strange structures that aren’t immediately accessible. Quentin Smith’s lead vocals are pretty distinguishable mind, and what makes Vaux stand out are the layered backing vocals, which extrapolate the harmonies in a glorious way. Interestingly, the band recorded this live in the studio and it gives this CD a tinny feel production-wise. It makes the raw aggression that bit rawer – ‘RAID!’ emphasises this fact, with the bass rumbling and the vocals that extra bit passionate.
‘Dearest darkest’ has a bit of a Refused feel to it, while the electronica influenced ‘Sex Will happen Tonight’ shows the band’s playful side. They are willing to experiment and that keeps things fresh and interesting, even if it’s not the best song you will hear all year. The three-pronged guitar attack is vicious and visceral mind you, so when Smith’s vocals aren’t as haunting, such as the EP’s title track, you’re left with a quality band implanted on your mind. If you’re a Vaux fan, this EP will tide you over until the new album. If you’re not, check it out anyway – you might be surprised.
www.vauxrock.com
Equal Vision
Paul