Producer: Rob Schnapf
Key Tracks: “Get Free,” “Highly Evolved,” “Outtathaway!” and “Homesick”
Release date: 14 July 2002
Label: Capitol (Heavenly Recordings; Wicked Nature Music)
CD catalog#: CDP 72343 5 37527 2 9
The Skinny
Straight outta Australia and press darlings upon the release of Highly Evolved in 2002, the Vines really can rock pretty hard. Not that it’s hard rock. It’s a little derivative, but it’s guitar, bass and drums – what’re they supposed to do? “Get Free” is a keeper.
Sounds like
Stone Temple Pilots, Jet, Alice in Chains, The Strokes, Killers, Velvet Revolver, Nirvana, Joan Jett, Silverchair, Blue Oyster Cult, Guns & Roses
Deeper Thoughts
These Australians celebrated the 10th anniversary of Nevermind by debuting with a record dripping with Cobainish impressionist introspection and Grohl-y drumming. Craig Nicholls is the rock auteur responsible for this stuff. This is the sound of guitar rock evolving into vocal-centric hard pop for the masses that baby boomers can get with if they’re still trying. The hip-swaying tenderness on the ballads seems designed to get the band laid. “In the Jungle” features a riff highly inspired by BOC’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” Frankly, most of these tunes are too long. So, if you don’t want this record to end take heart – neither does Mr. Nicholls.
The Sonics
Snarly loudness!!! Loud, sure, but not particularly full or rich. They’re trying to channel some sort of early Sabbath-type sound without the warmth and candor of Tony Iommi. Lots of Seattle-era garage sounds. A ton of sub recommended; my rig couldn’t do these tunes justice. Not sure how Nicholls recreated his wall-of-sound vocals live, but it’s a very lush experience on disc.
