album artwork, Dead Oceans, 2009
Browsing through Soundfix Records racks today, I spied the self-titled album by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band among the staff picks. I decided to buy the record after reading the store's review, which included such promises as "...bluesy guitar riffs, pumping rhythms and frenzied choruses... " and "...led by a husband and a wife team and features their 14-year-old son on drums...". Hmmm...tell me more!
This album does not disappoint. There seems to be a distinct nod towards 70's rock bands, such as Yes (there are a lot of complicated, unison guitar riffs) and even The Clash (a punky urgency in the vocals), except with a little less intensity, to their credit.
The quintet does a great job, with lead singer Benjamin Verdoes (whose voice sometimes reminds me of the late Jeff Buckley's) and his wife Traci Eggleston-Verdoes (on several instruments, mostly percussion) leading the charge. I'm so intrigued by the fact that their adopted 14 year old son plays drums on the album.
Who's Asking, the first song on the album, begins with a frantic energy that primarily made me think of The Clash. The percussion and guitar drive the movement of this piece, but the vocals, while soft at points, also help to keep us apace with the group's boisterous energy.
Later on, Going on a Hunt, sounds like true punk, with frenzied guitar and percussion licks, which play off of eachother in a teasing manner. Plus, BV's voice is more anxious in this work, stressing that we keep up. The interlude, with pretty little moments of chime and glockenspiel are truly playful and fun.
Albatross, Albatross, Albatross has a pressing, futuristic vibe. My immediate thought was Blade Runner, until the piece moved into some very bluesy, satisfying guitar licks. I kind of love the lyrics to this song, because we've probably all heard of Samuel Coleridge's Rime of The Ancient Mariner by now, right? The question, "What's in the silver locket?" made me think (and giggle at an inside joke), as I remembered how the albatross hung about the ancient mariner's neck.
All in all, this album is solid and great fun. I agree with Stereogum's assessment that they are a band to watch. It will be fun to hear more responses to their great work as the months go on.
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