1340 Magazine reviews Viv 2nd Album Flawed

by Eric Stephens
1340 Magazine, August 27th, 2004

Viv
Flawed

Ten Toes Over Records

http://www.vivtheband.com


It’s time to slow it down a bit. A featured artist on http://www.awarestore.com, ViV brings its high-energy alternative pop/ rock sound to the music world. ViV keeps its melodic pop sound interesting by combining different instruments like keyboards, violins and mandolins. The band has been said to have a Pete Yorn/ Foo-Fighters current running through their music. ViV has seen success from song downloads on their website and saw their self-titled debut album sell over 8,000 units.

After garnering success with their first album and playing over 200 shows, ViV was ready to release their second album called Flawed. With production help from David Cole (Melissa Etheridge), Adam Rossie (LUCE) and Thom Canova, ViV showcases a solid album that possesses radio friendly songs. Matt Ostrander has vocals that really match the style and feel of Flawed and the song “Did I” is good evidence of that. “Friends” is the solid radio hit on the album and has been slated as the first single.

Production on Flawed was great, with careful attention to blending the vocals and instrumentation. I can see where ViV could become one of the next big bands if backed by the right label. ViV has a sound that is slower and a little more pop than what I usually listen to, but the overall sound and feel is very professional. This makes Flawed an excellent second album.


Key Song: “Friends” really showcases the overall feel of the album and has a Foo-Fighters feel to it. Honorable mention goes to “Did I” with its U2 feel.

Reviewed by: Eric Stephens

http://www.1340mag.com