The world is full of modern conveniences and technological marvels that purport to improve our quality of life. Although it's hard to imagine public transportation without an iPod, or procrastination without the Internet, wouldn't it be nice to occasionally escape to an earlier era, free of buzzing Blackberries and spam? Wouldn't it be nice to travel through times of sonic exploration and innovation ? free of Swedish song writing factories? Vampire Hands seem to think so.Their debut full length on weird/noise stalwart label Freedom From is proof positive.
"Aaroo, Piano" is a first-class transport to distorted guitars and full-bodied psych rock, with vocals that are simultaneously playful and chilling. "Cool Bath" is a hyphy drum fest that features, in addition to permanent drummer Alex Rose, former Cows drummer Freddy Votel (one can only imagine the freakout that might have taken place in the recording studio between this pair).
"Peru (Happy Birthday White Tiger)" reflects the band's appreciation for Canadian psych rock band Simply Saucer. "Egg White Ocean" incorporates a Grimwood-era Micheal Yonkers-sounding guitar and vocal style to deliver a hypnotic melody. Chris Rose's guitar punctuates Colin Johnson's brazened vocals in "Moscow Flowers", with Chris Bierden's bass providing a droning exclamation point.
Until the whiz kids in Bangalore or Shanghai develop a time capsule, Hallelujah for Minneapolis and its progenies. Vampire Hands have ascended from the land of broken sports teams and bridges to grace us with a trip through fuzzy blues and psychedelic somersaults.
If you love psych rock, but have chosen to limit your intake for health, social or quit-killing-all-the-damn-brain-cells reasons, Vampire Hands could rekindle your interest. |