Search - Vestals :: Vestals

Minnesota's Vestals is one of those guitar-driven pop bands, and Vestals is one of those song-driven debut albums that never runs out of celebrated sources to draw upon. And their derivative streak is painted not only by the contemporaries with whom they're linked, most notably Radiohead, but also crusty old British forbearers such as the Kinks, XTC, and, of course, the Beatles. But unlike so many current groups imitating the garage or punk sound, the Vestals keep you hooked with their irresistible hooks, punchy sound, and edgy sonic touches. Brothers Ben and Jeremy Gordon, who share songwriting credits, lead vocals, and guitar-playing duties, come across as real naturals, exploiting their blood bonds in the name of togetherness rather than the tension upon which the famous sibs in Oasis and Kinks thrive. On "Before the Color Dries," they also pass the ballad-with-strings test--the ones all pop bands worth their salt have been required to pass since "Eleanor Rigby." --Lloyd Sachs