Originally published at GlamBoulevard. You can comment here or there.
I have a problem with new music groups and one of the reasons for that is the usually overpublisized and overexhadurated hype that surrounds them. So, in effect, I stick to underground groups that, unlike a lot of new bands today or current sell outs, actually have sound that isn't bound to disappoint me one-quarter in to listening to them. A few weeks ago, though, I read an article on Viva Machine in a local paper, a wheezie rock band with a reputation for...good tunes. 'Good' meaning solid melody; actual music you can dance to, a vivacious powerhouse of "never gonna get tired of it" tracks. So I decided to check them out. You know, cause some reporters tend to be overrated. And I have to say....I didn't hate them. I mean, they aren't instant legends or icons (long way off actually) but its a heck of a lot better then what we get on the radio these days. Originating from Swansea, Whales (yes, you read right; they're Welsh!), these guys make up the usual rock band formula of a vocalist/keyboardist (Chris Seacombe), bassist/vocalist (Tom Stephans), guitarist/vocalist (Gareth Carter), drummer (Dai Francis) and guitarist/keyboardist (Justin Hendy), who team up and set out together to rock out on terms of their unique style. And very cute while doing it, if I do say so myself! Ok...'cute' doesn't fit contemporary rockers...Hot, then. Very hot.
To say their debut album “Viva Machine” had been pending for a while, is an understatement. In fact, its planning goes back to 2003 when the band played under the name Iposfacto with tight, experimental tunes fitting in to an electro and alternative genre, before they ultimately changed to “Viva Machine”, after which they got really serious. Briefly heard on BBC Radio 1 with their song “My Jet Set Radio” and showing on The Guest List where they preformed “Earthquakers and Love Shakers” and "Robotbodyrox", they began to make their way up the music scene at a steady pace while persistently working on their debut and balancing multiple shows and tours.
Their influences range from Queens of the Stone age and Biffy Clyro to Radiohead and The Beach Boys and many others. Every once in a while, the dedication and this influence peeks out from behind the curtains of their individual style. And so happened “Viva Machine” which was released on June 15th, 2009. The album has 10 tracks, the first single being the band's earlier work, "Robotbodyrox” with the overall album including “Earthquakers and Love Shakers”, “Death Star Truckers” and “Futuristic Dracula”. The style of the lyrics is mind blowing, metaphoric and strangely gripping, with sometimes eerie vocals that fit unbelievably well, all of which is rare enough in today's music; complicated and interesting. Not to mention that the overall beats and rhythm will refuse to allow you to stand still.
With such hard work that has has finally paid off, there is reason for celebration. In name of “Viva Machine”'s debut and critical success, the band released a free MP3 of “Earthquakers and Love Shakers” on June, 8th(the music-video was released just a month before) for download on their official.site.
Though with no plans for a future tours or gigs, the band has been on constant, current interviews, most notably on Bethan Elfyn's show BBC Radio 1, with profiles on MySpace and YouTube. With or without performances from them, there is no doubt their album alone will keep us busy for a while jumping on our beds and screaming in to our hairbrushes...Haha, don't bother with trying to deny it!
Alexa
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