 There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them, and indeed there must - Vaux have gained control of musical instruments and are wreaking havoc with a strange blend of heavy beats and spastic guitar solos. And it's impressive to say the least. Even after just one listen, There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them seems blazing and impenetrable. Vaux are delivering something different - what can only be described as a blend of old school garage rock with screaming post-hardcore. It's a unique listening experience.
There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them was originally released in the US last year on the Volcom Entertainment label. Music For Nations picked it up for the UK and Europe, but not before the buzz on Vaux saw them sign to Atlantic Records. This is a band who are really grabbing music by the throat.
Kicking off the proceedings (whatever the hell the proceedings are) is Set It To Blow; a rampage of noises, electronic blips, mashed up guitars and booming bass that clearly isn't shy to set the record's agenda. There is some relief from the heavier tracks, provided in the form of the slow and moving Switched On, and while the break is welcome it's nice to get back into the crazier tracks again.
It's hard to put across the sound of Vaux; the best way is to imagine Hot Hot Heat spliced with At The Drive-In, and a secret ingredient that I have yet to lay my finger upon. One thing I love about this album is the use of a keyboard. It's not prominent but you know it's there, and while it isn't over-the-top, it adds a nice tweak that would surely leave behind a void of some shape. Until this month Vaux only meant one thing to me: A local brewery company and purveyor of fine ales. Now the word not only equals a great way to socialise, and often over-socialise if you get me, but also a rocking band that can rip your head right off. Bonus. :: Graham Drummond |
