The Vines
The Vines have become – in less than a year – a potential rock phenomenon.
Yes, that’s what the critics have said on this Aussie four-piece. Really, though, following the excessive hysteria that formed around acts such as The Strokes and The White Stripes in the last year, such praise, although flattering and beneficial, really adds pressure to those that have to provide the goods. Luckily, however, with debut-LP ‘Highly Evolved’, The Vines have produced the record to satisfy key alt-audiences of now and the future – as well as the media that predicted such a surge in popularity to occur in the first place.
Their story is limited, due to their only recent entry into the present scene. However, of note is the fact that chief-lyricist, singer and guitarist Craig Nicholls, along with bassist Patrick Matthews and drummer David Olliffe, all met during high-school years at the same McDonalds restaurant where they worked. Sadly, however, despite the progression that followed where they formed a band-unit – proceeding to play Nirvana covers at friend’s parties before developing their own material – Olliffe decided not to join the guys on the road, due to his not being the ‘touring type’.
Still, David played drums on the debut-LP, which was recorded in LA – the present re-location of the band. However, another trauma occurred; this time related to specifically the recording-process, Craig mysteriously barricaded himself in his hotel-room for eight weeks, refusing to return to Australia. Eventually, following this period of time, the recording recommenced, and the promising album people have anticipated is seemingly set to be delivered.
Tracks such as the downbeat ‘Mary Jane’ and ‘Country Yard’ showcase a band capable of song-writing of a classic stature, whilst anthems such as the almost reggae-rock of ‘Factory’ – the band’s first official release as a limited-edition in 2001 – and manic riff-riot of ‘Get Free’ demonstrate a furious ferocity that not just satisfies the cravings of the most ardent rock-fan, yet also the tune-seeking populist-vote that constitutes a ‘mainstream’ audience.
Thanks to the placement of Hamish Rosser as tub-thumper, the band was able to take such tracks and a live-set from town-to-town, specifically gaining strong reactions for their debut in the UK – triggering sell-out crowds and endless praise from the press. As if this wasn’t enough, the band’s first single, ‘Highly Evolved’, entered straight into position number 32 in the UK singles-charts... And that’s it, for now.
Yet, days are young still for this dynamic quartet, and the tale isn’t even near completion... Let’s just hope that all they’re poised for comes into fruition – for the early calling-signs seem to indicate that respected notoriety and a platform to thousands certainly will be their rewards for musical-endeavours thus far...
