Vision Valley Review

Release Date: Apr 4, 2006
Label: Capitol
Genres: Punk-Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock, Post-Grunge, Garage Rock Revival
Number Of Tracks: 13
Vision Valley might be a little predictable, but at least the Vines sound like they're back in control of their lives and music again.

Sound:	8.5
Lyrics:	8.5
Impression:	8.8
Overall rating:	8.6
Users rating:	8.1
Comments:	22

overall: 8

Featured review by: Ploosh_Meister, on april 12, 2006

Sound: The sound of this album is a lot like Highly Evolved and Winning Days; very much a groovy rock sound with Craig's unique vocals allowing the vines to sound unlike anyone else. The difference with this album is the lack of ballad-type soft songs. Not that this is a bad thing, as this album has a very fun sound to it, though does have it's serious moments with songs such as going gone. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The overall sound of the songs on 'Vision Valley' is possibly the best of the vines yet, and the lyrics also seem to be of top quality. Though I'm not one to analyze lyrics, or read through booklets learning all the words, the lyrics flow through the songs perfectly and Craig's voice is perfect in every song. There is, every now and then, a moment where Craig just wails the same noise over and over again, and this does get annoying, but it's rare and the rest of the song makes up for it. Most of the lyrics are what you'd expect from a rock band, but I found the lyrics in going gone to be quite touching. // 8

Impression: I would say this is the vines at their best. I feel that all the Vines albums have their weak and strong points, and they're all mediocore. This is no different in a way, as in a couple of months this album will not stick out to me anymore and I'll be waiting for the next vines album. In my personal opinion best songs would be: Anysound, Nothing's Coming, Gross Out and Going Gone. Overall, the album is better than a lot of albums, but not the best. If you enjoy rock; stoner or funky, the vines are perfect, not many do it better as far as I know. If it were stolen or lost, I would most definently buy it again as I'm quite proud of my vines collection. // 8

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: Grunge, on april 08, 2006

Sound: This is probably one of the best from the Vines. There are songs that are edgy and songs that are also mellow. It's really nice how it goes so well together, and the songs are really recorded well. As many probably know, The Vines went on a little break and lost their bassist. I had a feeling that they weren't going to come back out with an album, but fortunately they did. Some slower acoustic songs use instruments such as cellos, violins, and all kinds of different things. Its a nice spin on the songs. Also, the song Take Me Back really stuck out. Its like a country-rock thing. Well, it just sounds like it at first. I guess you'd have to listen to it to get an idea. It is a very good song, though. Personally, I think I would have picked different singles from this album, but then again I couldn't really chose. The singles out now are pretty good I guess. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are amazing, I think. Craig Nicholls is a good writer because of his unorthodox writing style. They're really good, and they grow on you the more you listen to the actual words, which go along with the music very well. I heard many people say that the singer does not know how to sing well, but I tend to disagree. No, he is not the world's best singer in any means, but he gets the job now. A very passionate voice and he can really scream when he needs to. // 10

Impression: Since most new-ish bands out now tend to be emo, or some trendy metal, I think this is a good break for anyone looking for something far from the ordinary. The songs that stand out for me the most are probably Nothin's Comin, Vision Valley, Gross Out, Take Me Back, Fuk Yeh, Dope Train, and Space Ship. These are probably my favorite songs on the album, although the rest is pretty good too. There isn't a song that I don't listen to it. Thats what I love about this CD. Besides its energy and dynamic songs, I like the fact that I can listen straight through it without skipping any songs. What I hate about this album is its length. Its pretty short, the songs are all pretty short except the finale, Spaceship. But, it doesn't bother me that much, as I prefer all great songs instead of a long album with some bad songs. If it were lost or stolen, I'd probably try and get a copy somewhere else of course. This CD is a very good one, and I recommend it to anyone who likes rock. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: unregistered, on may 08, 2006

Sound: The Vines have come along way from their in-your-face sound in Highly Evolved to their mellow harmonies in Winning Days. After the incidents in 2004 where singer Nicholls was diagnosed with AS, and bassist, Matthews walking off stage, they're back. They're sound has definitely change heading towards a more mature direction. The album rips through with a kick ass concoction of loud guitar riffs, harmonic acoustic, trippy solos, soothing strings, and awesome vocals. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: He reflects on recent events he and his bands mates have encountered. With the opening line 'I am a Vine, all twisted and frayed', Nicholls takes us on a lyrical journey through his head. It's certainly something you don't want to miss. // 9

Impression: 01. Anysound - opening song comes out with the brilliant line, "I am a Vine, all twisted and frayed.' Just perfect to get you ready for the ready for what’s to come.
02. Nothing's Comin' - great rock song with a lot of tension build up and a great fucking guitar solo.
03. Candy Daze - a sweet little number leaving you thirsty for more.. and again, another great guitar piece.
04. Vision Valley - one of my favorite tracks on the album. First time they experimented with strings, and it sounds great. A great little ballad that has a different effect of every listener. With The acoustic guitars, strings and the harmonic signing, the song truly pulls through.
05. Don't Listen To The Radio - great song if you haven't over heard it already. With an ironic twist, this was their first single they choose to put out onto the airwaves. Again, great guitar number.
06. Gross Out - another great song if you haven’t over heard it. This song will assault you blasting out of the speakers at a 100 mph. being the shortest song on the album; it holds enough energy for the whole thing. There second single being played on radios in both the UK and Australia.
07. Take Me Back - I would absolutely love this song if they didn't put a country vibe to it. The lyrics are amazing, but I’m not a fan of that country sound.
08. Going Gone - an old b-side of theirs, the re-created with strings and acoustic harmonies. A brilliant song that I've loved the first time I’ve heard it, now reinvented, I love it even more.
09. Fuck Yeh - well, I don’t really know what to say about this one, except that it brings out the '60s all over again. Good song.
10. Futuretarded - great song but another one that’d hard to explain. You’ll just have to listen for yourself.
11. Dope Train - going back to their roots they pull out a Get Free/Outtathaway/Fuck The World sound with a psychedelic flare.
12. Atmos - a short but trippy song. Takes a second to figure out what Nicholls is trying to get at, but when you get it, you'll love it. 'I really ruley do.'
13. Spaceship - my personal favorite. Nicholls takes you on a 6 min calming ride and leaving you satisfied. Another great song with strings and a great guitar solo. With a 1969 twist, it’s a great way to end the album.

Overall, this is a great album and should not be passed up. It has something for everyone and will leave you pleased. The guys are back and standing strong. // 10

overall: 7.7

Reviewed by: Godzilla1969, on april 20, 2006

Sound: Pulling influences from a wide palette, The Vines often show traces of The Beatles, Nirvana, and the Cars, and, believe it or not, Pink Floyd in their new, remarkably short album, "Vision Valley." Between their last release, "Winning Days" and today, vocalist/guitarist Craig Nicholls was diagnosed with a mild form of autism, which led many fans to believe that the Vines had broken up, but with this album, they show few signs of slowing down. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics, in the songs that you can actually hear them, are certainly nothing to rave about. On "Don't Listen To The Radio," Nicholls sings about a somewhat cliche topic, which bashes the radio and television, and all things that promote over-saturated radio junk. It is hardly fitting for the Vines, a fairly big radio band, to begin bashing one of the things that made them as famous as they are today. Other lyrics are acceptable, although nothing too special. // 7

Impression: While it can't edge out their brilliant debut "Highly Eveolved," it certainly is more consistantly satisfying than "Winning Days," which showed signs of brilliance, but with no defining moment that sest it apart from anything else. That moment has to go to the 6 minute long (epic by Vines standards), surprisingly Pink Floyd-esque "Spaceship," which is a deep ballad that has all the twists and turns of a classic, psychadelic Floyd opus. The length, although very short, appeals to today's short attention span music listeners, while it disappoints listeners like me, who prefer an 8 minute song to a 2 minute song. Overall, "Vision Valley" is a great modern rock effort, although by no means a classic. // 8

Comments

[Kickit]

Not a good Vines album, too short and its very dull, but some songs impress me while others don't

[can_i_say]

if u think ure a vines fan u will kno wot has happend n love how they still put together this album

[SlashNX]

IM a vines fan... have high hopes for this album... does sound a lil tooo predictable from wat ive herd, but still Ill buy it none-the-less!
Highly Evolved is probably still the best out of the three!

[Goon]

I haven't had a real good listen to the album yet but the songs are too short and I felt they could have just taken their songs a bit furthur if you get me here...

Nothing beats Highly Evolved yet.

[d_brow]

its not predictable at all.....and no the songs arent to short.Its an amazing album and will stay in my cd player for a while just like highly evolved

[flemflames]

Hmmm good album... predictable, but that is the show-biz part of it all -> commercialization

[xconaxm44]

Dope Train is unreal. Quality album...just wish they'd go off onto weird solos like the previous album.

[mrFood]

I like this album, but like xconaxm14 said, I wish the songs would exploded into the melodic solo interlude things. They have more potential as longer songs.

[VoodooChild15]

The fact that it sounds like everything else they've done doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'm a fan of them because I like that sound. I don't need them to be constantly pushing boundaries, just to churn out tunes that I like to listen to. As always, the mellow stuff is my favorite. Spaceship and Vision Valley are at the top of the heap. I think that Craig is one of the best singers around. Not a whole lot of other people make such amazing use of harmony.

[GuitarFreak1969]

I love all of the songs. It's kind of a mix between Highly Evolved and Winning Days, with a bit of a new sound to it. The lyrics are much more understandable and amazing. The album was put together well. I think the break they had was good for them because they eneded up with an excellent album. I memorized it within an hour and love it. It's not mediocre at all and Craig's voice sounds a lot more clear. I love the guitar solo in Spaceship, beautiful. My twin is even liking the album, and she pretty much hates The Vines (I don't know why...). I give them a ten on this one. Pure brilliance, like every album Mr. Nicholls creates.

[take take take]

As long as they don't stray to far from "Winning Days", I'll be happy with the result of the new album, still have to pick it up

[Shermy]

Brilliant Album I've been a vines fan since i heard their e.p. in 2001, there music has slowly evolved and in this album i saw a bit of a combination of their first two albums witht the predictable clean/garage/grunge sound that they have with most of their singles but also the psycaedelic ones that i personally love. I'm still dissapointed that there will be no live performances anytime soon. Oh well!

[Wykoff_FanClub2]

It's a very good album. I love them.

[wingedgopher]

sounds great, the short songs wouldnt really bother me being into punk and all.

[monkeyegg300]

not punk

[monkeyegg300]

oh nevermind i misread the post

[thefinalcut]

The length is short for an album these days but the songs are pretty good. You can hear the Nirvana influence on "Gross Out" and Beatles influence on a couple others (even some Pink Floyd/psychadelia stuff).

They're good at what they play punky garage rock with ballads but from the looks of it here, people want them to branch off.


W

[the waste]

I need $15 bucks so I can buy it. If its anything like their other albums it will become an instant favorite of mine.

[wibble147]

spaceship is the best vines track yet, yes the songs are too short, but this album had alot to live up 2 after Winning Days. Stil a good album though.

[volta949]

Kickit :
Not a good Vines album, too short and its very dull, but some songs impress me while others don't

I couldn't agree more with you. This is a very bad Vines album. I was hoping for so much more and its just, lame and boring.

[jasonkan]

too short.
falls short of expectations,
tho 'take me back' sort of feebly follows the indie-ish hits of 'winning days' and 'homesick' from previous albums, but doesnt stun.
this is a dissapointment, lacks the catches of previous explosive tracks like 'outtathaway' and ride.

[kiwitabber]

Very average album. I was expecting big things from these guys but I was incredibly disappointed. There's a few 'alomst gems' like Futuretarded and Don't Listen to the Radio but otherwise NAH!!!