Vile’s melancholic, hazy drone of a voice is something you either appreciate as a non-negotiable feature that is somehow aesthetically pleasing as well as monotonous, or you move on without blinking an eye. If you choose to persist, Vile’s blend of folk/Americana meets indie rock may just rub off on you.
Opener The Creature starts with a subtle energy, which doesn’t waver throughout. Vile’s vocals float above the driving rhythm and verses are separated by luxurious fnger picking interludes. It’s Alright shifts into indie rock territory, spaced out guitars drenched in reverb set the mood and pulsating drums insist that heads nod along. Laughing Stock is simpler, Vile’s vocals less disguised by effects, his accent clearer and the focus more defined. A cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Downbound Train has the makings of an indie rock anthem – riff heavy, doubled up vocals, climaxing in a ferociously fuzzed out solo. Vile takes a classic song and somehow improves on it. The title track (So Outta Reach) is a pleasant folk pop number but it bops along with little direction and is easy enough to gloss over.
There’s something comforting about Vile’s music, the wearisome hum of his vocals - unique but familiar, his penchant for effortless one-liners appealing. Even when slightly missing the mark his nonchalant attitude suggests he wouldn’t care so why should you? Vile’s sound is infectious if you let it be, it seeps under your skin and makes itself at home.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
Best Track : The Creature
If You Like This, You’ll Like These : Wagon Wheel Blues THE WAR ON DRUGS, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain PAVEMENT, Harvest NEIL YOUNG
In A Word: Addictive
