| CD REVIEW Vienna |
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Band : Vienna Bruges, once surnamed “The Venice Of the North” and one of the most important inland ports in West Flanders...beautiful town known for its wonderful canals and handmade lace...and now the hometown of the young female fronted Modern Rock act Vienna! Following years of playing in several projects where they didn't really know what they wanted, the fivesome of lead singer Gayle Van Hollebeke, guitarist/ backing singer Sven Herssens, guitarist Fre Gereels, bassist Bas Vermeulen, and drummer Miguel Ryde found each other (in Sept. 2009) and their place in a scene with too many sub-genres to be able to name 'em all without having a list. They immediately started writing the necessary material for this 7-track mini-album, and started recording it with one Stijn Vanden Bussche (whom also mixed the stuff) in January of this year at the The Attic studio (sounds suggestive). Apparently the band members (or the recording engineer) already have some connections in the Belgian music scene, because they were able to lend additional recording equipment from several people, including famed producer Ace Zec. Somewhere along the way the band also signed onto the Noize Agency, whom also manage the band Campus. When looking for ways to describe the band's music, I suppose it's safest to use the term of Indie Rock, even if that is a somewhat broad one. I hesitate to make any comparisons, because I feel there ain't too many female fronted bands like this out there! Besides, the band itself wouldn't dare to do such a thing, as their music is a result of the many different influences of each member. There's definitely nice slightly progressive runs in the twin guitar play. In that part, they kinda resemble some of the more refined Post-Punk acts such as Canada's Belvedere or their follow-up This Is A Standoff (sorry I have to remain that limited, but I can only go with what I know...or remember at this very moment), but then Vienna has a harder sound. Not in the Punk direction though...rather towards the Indie Rock corner. And of course, Gayle's powerful yet female vocals change everything, lift things up a level (or two), so to say! Sure, Vienna has its calmer moments as well (check the track “Twentyone” when you can, or the opening passage of album closer “Lost At Sea”), but even then Gayle's voice keeps up a nice tension. You can listen to two songs (and an album sampler) at myspace.com/viennatheband (you could also try to log onto wearevienna.net, but that'll only re-direct you automatically to the band's MySpace page). I'm sure you'll agree these youngsters have a nicely fresh sound, which is not without a certain maturity! Great stuff, this!!! 88/100 Tony. |
