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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>
Vivian Girls are an all girl indie band from Brooklyn New York. Their style is a fusion of indie riffs and surf style harmonies, a genre which hasn’t been seriously considered for many years. Tell the World ( previewed from their forthcoming self titled album) begins with a psychedelic feel, a gritty nonchalant guitar style coupled with a run of the mill drum beat. Getting past these aspects of the song that can make it feel a bit ‘garage band’ at times, there is certainly an individual style which is very different to the current market. The harmonies, albeit raw and unpolished, do give the music an organic feel. At the same time it conjures up a nostalgic feeling, perhaps the highly successful sound of California’s The Beach Boys are what typifies the surf rock sound. Vivian Girls are not so crisp and fine tuned, but they offer an unprocessed sound which is contemporary.
A second previewed track is Such A Joke, a song which is more well constructed with a flowing style, although its under two minutes long. The vocal harmonies are a bit wayward at times, but the song flaunts a cheery tone that gives the Vivian Girls their distinctive sound. Simplicity seems to give the band a modest approach, the instrumental contribution is relatively basic,
harmonies are a bit wayward at times, but the song flaunts a cheery tone that gives the Vivian Girls their distinctive sound. Simplicity seems to give the band a modest approach, the instrumental contribution is relatively basic, and sometimes can appear spontaneous. Considering such bands as The White Stripes exhibited early unpretentious touches leading to worldwide success, Vivian Girls could well be on to a winner with their raw tones (the Meg White drumming style is raw indeed, but lacklustre also).
For fans of intricate, pitch perfect music, the Vivian Girls may not be your thing. But the jangling guitars, innocuous lyrics and a naked style certainly shows promise. Vivian Girls begun touring in the U.K on the 2nd December and to check out the remaining dates visit their site Viviangirls.net.
