Search - Vivian Girls :: Vivian Girls

A lost K Records album from 1991?

RockerDad | Renton, WA USA | 12/11/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"At times, while listening to the debut album by Vivian Girls, you can't help but think you're listening to some long-lost album by an obscure noise-pop band on Olympia's K Records label from 1991 or so. Their sound (feedback-laced jangly guitars, driving rhythms, and sing-songy girl group harmonies) bears more than a striking resemblance to bands like Heavenly, Talulah Gosh, and even some of the Riot Grrl bands. The clarification comes though, in the songwriting-many of the songs blend in together, with melodies getting lost in the mix. Taken individually, there are certainly many rockin' tunes (All the Time, Tell the World, and No are the standouts), but overall they start to blur. If I was 19 again-I'd probably be insane over discovering this band for myself.

If you enjoy the DIY sounds of K Records bands like Beat Happening and Heavenly, the noisy guitars of the Jesus and Mary Chain or Velocity Girl, or the harmonic sounds of The Raveonettes or The Ronettes-you will surely enjoy Vivian Girls. They have captured a glorious ramshackle sound of the past-now all they have to do is craft some more memorable songs. I'll certainly be listening to hear what they come up with in the future.

"

Maybe A New Paisley Underground Isn't Such A Bad Idea

Steech | Birmingham, AL | 10/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I heard The Vivian Girls, I couldn't believe they weren't from San Francisco. This band sounds like the missing link between Henry's Dress and The Aisler's Set, leaning a little more toward the latter in terms of the band's predilection for sixties-worshiping sonic tapestry weaving.



These songs are faster, shorter, and noisier than the Aisler's. But the songs stop just short of ever dissolving into the shapeless miasma of fuzz Henry's Dress was prone to do.



Imagine The Mamas and Papas on methamphetamines and you sort of get the picture.



This is a fantastic little album. At under 25 minutes, I found it was the perfect length. The only complaint I might find is that there are no stand-out tracks. The band has got their signature sound so thoroughly ingrained that every song sort of sounds the same. That isn't so important when it is, after all, such a joyful noise. But I can understand where it might put some people off."

Can't believe the low ratings here

Jason Bunch | Indianapolis, IN United States | 04/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I lived through the K records heyday and the paisley underground and nothing from those scenes rocked my world like this. This is an excellent little album far more deserving than the lack of love shown here. Thankfully Pitchfork showed it the love it deserved, placing it in the top 10 albums of 2008.



Mixing elements of punk, surf, shoegaze these girls are at the head of the pack in the new noise pop movement. Along with Wavves they are one of the few bands giving indie rock the kick in the arse it needs. This album blasts away the staleness of all those synth pop bands going at the moment and rocks it oldskool. You cannot love indie rock or punk and not love this album, it is a near perfect debut proving that often times the best music comes in the most unassuming packages.



Can't wait for album number two."