Rikk Reviews ViV's "Flawed" Album

by Rikk Matheson
Rikk's Reviews, July 6th, 2004

Viv - Flawed

The sophomore effort by the San Francisco Bay Area band Viv is a melodic alternative pop music CD that shows true integrity and promise. Viv has created a musically strong CD that shows why their cult following is so loyal to the band. They offer crisp compositions that have an edge but not abrasive. They also create music that is new and exciting and steer a bit off the well worn track. Flawed is a solid CD that should garner more success and gain the band some more attention.

A big part of the allure of Viv is no small part attributed to the songwriting, vocals and guitar work of Matt Ostrander. His vocals are more reminiscent of the psychedelic era, and the writing seems to draw from a host of musical timelines as he incorporates a lot of rock and pop history into the songs. The arrangement is incredibly powerful, the tracks flow well, but remain single entities at the same time.

There is no reason modern rock and pop radio shouldn't be playing tunes from Flawed. The main reason they may not is that it doesn't fit into the sound of the moment they are trying to sell, however Viv have offered one tune to the radio gods here, "Did I" is a triumph and could very easily be a hit on the pop, adult-alternative or modern rock radio. I don't think it is the best song on the CD, however it does sound the most commercially appealing.

I am happy the big label guys didn't get their hooks into Viv before they got a chance to prove themselves, and they seem to have carved a place for themselves here. My choices of standout material here go to two cuts. The title track "Flawed" and the flare of "Shine" are two well crafted works that deserve your attention. This is worth checking out, the Bay area boys may become heavy hitters soon, I wouldn't want you to miss their journey, this is a well done disk!

( 5 Stars out of 6 )

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