UmbrellaZine reviews Viv's sophmore release: Flawed

by Jesta Nutharocka
Umbrella Zine, July 24th, 2004

VIV

FLAWED, the second album release by this up and coming indie band, ISN'T. What it is: Strong poetic/prophetic lyrics, great vocals and hooky tunes. This April 2004 CD release shows ViV has the stuff it takes to move forward. Matt Ostrander is a gifted writer, and the the music is catchy, albeit a bit repetitious, in the style of today's new bands. But hey, then again, recent Springsteen is repetitious in the lyrics, melody, and technique ... we like VIV's album FLAWED release far more than Bruce's recent efforts.

ViV IS Fresh, Growing, Inventive - we think this band shows the potential for getting noticed. FLAWED presents ViV melodically, with a bit of edge showing, and that's a good thing (sorry Martha). It's got insightful lyrics, clever hooks, and yes, even some gems of musicianship on this album. Check out the track Green - from the haunting intro to the interjections of lead guitar - clear punctuation in a swirl of sound. ViV has a lot to say about being in the now ... experiencing reality, feelings, and the world. Shine is clearly the leading track, but the lyrics from Suffer (I feel like a square pig in a round, round mud ... I saw the face of God on a homeless man, He said your eyes are so blind but your soul still sees, And 3am has wide eyes) are as hardhitting as any of the new word-music/rap/spoken standup poetry that's out in the coffeehouses and clubs from Cambridge to LA. This album is catchy (a bit pop) with enough edge and intelligence to get your ear.

FLAWED is not flawed, nor is it lacking ... it's strong. Feels like this band has much more experimentation to conduct, and more complex music will emerge in the next and next and next releases. Jesta recommends you give a listen and then some to ViV's CD FLAWED. You might just think you're back on the East Coast in a Long Island or Cambridge club.

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