South of Mainstream Reviews Viv's Sophmore release: 'Flawed'

by Miteymouse
South of Mainstream, August 10th, 2004

Flawed
VIV

reviewed by miteymouse

Remember the song “Video Killed the Radio Star”? There is some sort of pop retro energy in Viv the band that reminds me of that song.

But where that song was over the top, Viv’s songs are just right. They are bouncy little bits of fun that pop like firecrackers. The melodies and rhythms are simple enough for you to be singing along halfway through, but complex enough to keep you interested throughout the song.

The guitar tones shine and sound fantastic. The arrangements are clean tight and smooth. The layered vocals and harmonies sound rich and smooth.

The title track “Flawed” sounds like something that could have been a U2 b-side. The vocals sound different but the treatment and overall vibe are as powerful and pleasingly jangly. They have more of that broad brush atmospheric guitar work on other tracks too, such as the darker sound in “Bob Dylan Said”. The lead vocal on “Out Of The Rain” does sound eerily like Bono though, in my opinion.

I’m holding on to “Did I” though, as my favorite track. Excellent song, perfectly done. The whole CD is full of well-written songs expertly played by a seasoned group.

Genre: Emo/Modern Rock
Released: 2004

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