- Label
- EMI
- Release date
- 10th March 2008
- Genre
- Rock & roll
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Debut album from raucous London bluesy rock posse
Following four years of rabble-rousing live shows and a handful of single releases, which has seen them playing festivals and blues clubs alike and won them a faithful fanbase outside of the trendy East London boozers where they sealed their reputations, Vincent Vincent And The Villians release their debut full-length album. Although the influences on display here are clearly Fifties and Sixties Americana, Gospel Bombs is a bit of a misnomer, as the songs display far more of a doo-wop, rockabilly and surf guitar slant. An enjoyably harmonic one, at that.
Vincent's voice is always one step away from a full-throated Jon Spencer wail or Surfin' Bird-style wigout, but over his band's tightly-instrumented backing tracks and "wah wah ooh" harmonies and handclaps, it's a joy to listen to. The brilliant Sins Of Love (kind of like a rockabilly version of Copacabana) and the enjoyable stomp of lead single Pretty Girl are two highlights on an album peppered with moments of genius. Even for those tired of bequiffed bands' retro posturing, or who think that Link Wray is a flyover on the way into Swindon, there's plenty to enjoy here. A welcome change - a band who live up to the style mag hype.
More to try: Heavy Trash: Heavy Trash The Raveonettes: Pretty In Black The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Now I Got Worry
