Brooklyn, we have a winner.
This NYC-based rock quartet has released a couple of EPs and puts together a highly visual, energetic live show, but their debut takes things up several notches. Every Little Mouse Run is full of melodic, groove-centered slices of life, inspired as much by Pearl Jam and Incubus as late-period Doors.
Although “Meatball Love Tone” was the first video and first song available on the band’s website (listed above), it is only one of the good songs here. “Santa Claus” rides a funky bass groove and near-tribal beat, courtesy of co-MVPs Jay Ambrose and Jonathan Crowley, respectively, with some tasteful organ work swirling around courtesy of Jimi Zhivago. “MDP” is heavy yet kinetic, Nathan Frye’s lyrics filling in the space around Danny Monico’s rhino-charging guitar. And don’t forget “Tattoo Crazy,” which is basically a duet between Ambrose’s bass fretboard runs and Frye’s tender singing, with Crowley and Zhivago setting a quiet scene.
The title track is a strange beast, a six minute progressive-rock tune that is at turns whimsical, stomping and completely original, especially in the instrumental second half, in which the rhythm section pounds the heck out of the floor under keyboard squiggles and Monico’s buried guitar lead. It’s fascinating, although undermined somewhat by Monico’s failure to take charge and Frye’s repetitive avant-garde lyrics, which are probably meant to channel Jim Morrison or something but don’t carry much weight.
That is actually about the only complaint against this album. With titles like “Bombs Off,” “Chains” and “Twenty Dollar Doctor,” it’s clear Vinyette has no probem discussing heavier themes, but Frye isn’t always able to articulate these themes. Take the latter song; supposedly an invective against worldwide health care failures, the lyrics settle for “So what’s wrong / I got no cash / I said my peace / You go your way / I try to sleep / I’d rather laugh.” On a lighter tack is “Meatball Love Tone,” a Red Hot Chili Peppers-inspired tune about the shyness every guy faces when asking out the beautiful girl he thinks is out of his league. The tune is gritty yet melodic; had the Chili Peppers made more music like this, I’m With You would have been a lot better.
Of the 10 songs, only “Vitamins” fails to excite (Monico’s guitar solo is the saving grace), and there are a few points where the songs don’t really stick with the listener. But the whole album still slaps you upside the head. Solid rock music for the head and the body, Vinyette’s debut is a fine piece of rock. Pay attention to these guys.
