Alternative/Indie
The self-titled debut LP from Bad Veins had me somewhat taken aback. I'd recently gotten into the habit of acquiring albums of artists I knew nothing about, hoping I'd recreate the magic that occurred the day I picked up this album called "Silent Alarm" way back in 05. It was an overly romantic notion and with each subsequent album I listened to being worse overall than it's predecessor I was starting to get the feeling that this technique of stabbing wildly in the dark was getting me nowhere.
Then I listened to Bad Veins.
To say this album did not disappoint doesn't do it justice, because so rarely do you find an album with a quality that spans every track, rather than a few highlights in the form of future singles. In fact if I had any complaints about the album it would be that there is no real definable stand-out moments on the album. No figurehead to lead these fantastic tracks into the hearts and minds of anyone clued in enough to search them out.
The album ticks a lot of the necessary Indie-Rock album check boxes, melancholic lyrics dealing with heartbreak and loneliness, guitar and drum heavy tracks and some subtle electronic sprinklings which every release can't seem to go without these days.
Now for the lead vocal comparisons that every bad review can't go without. Lead singer Benjamin Davis' voice will initially remind you of Brandon Flowers, but further listening indicates that juxtapositions to The Bravery are likely more fitting. Some also may argue that the filtered-out and sung-through-a-megaphone quality to the vocals is Casablancas-esque, but you may have to search pretty deep in the soundscape to justify such connections.
As previously stated, the album really goes from strength to- well to some sort of point exactly equal to the strength of the last track. It's actually really difficult to pick out a highlight in the album because it's all really solid overall. Every track is likable and there's something for everyone who can appreciate well constructed Indie-Rock. Gun to my head I'd say that Dry Out will impress most. Whether it's the incredibly catchy lyrics (which reach their zenith at the chorus) or the impressive layering of the stuttering electronic beat, guitar, backing vocals, synths, piano and drums into a very accessible package, this seems to be the point where it all comes together for the duo from Cincinnati.
Clocking in at roughly 38 minutes, the album rocks up, shows you its stuff, and then departs before it overstays its welcome, leaving you wanting just that little bit more, like a good LP should. If you're at all a fan of The Bravery, The Killers or The Strokes these guys could be what you're looking for.
8/10
Download
Dry Out - Bad Veins
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