The Vines『Winning Days』
During the rock and roll revival, many would-be stars emerged, some established themselves, and others quietly faded away.
One musician in particular has left a strong impression on me: Craig Nichols, the frontman and key player of the band The Vines.
Formed in Sydney, Australia, The Vines released a few singles and EPs before breaking out with their debut album, Highly Evolved, in 2002. The lead song, "Get Free," is probably still one of their most famous songs.
This is a rare band that combines noisy and aggressive songs with rough shouts and influences of grunge and psychedelia, while also possessing beautiful, sober melodies.
Above all, vocalist Craig Nichols has incredible charisma. His looks, behavior, songs, and voice are all filled with a fresh sensibility and painful emotions.
Their music was so captivating that reviews at the time described them as "Nirvana meets the Beatles."
The first time I heard their music was on their second album, "Winning Days," which I'll be introducing here. I feel like their first album is more highly rated (as is the case with young bands), but this album left a stronger impression on me.
I bought the album without knowing anything about them, because the somewhat ominous atmosphere on the cover caught my eye, and from the very first track, "Ride," I was right in the mix.
The guitar riff is just scratchy chords, and Craig's voice sounds more like a growl than a song. The languid vocals continue to weave the words together, before suddenly erupting into a melodic scream at the chorus!
It's a masterpiece that combines pop, loudness, and an exquisite lo-fi feel, like searching for a ray of light in the midst of chaos.
The following track, "Animal Machine," is also truly amazing. Just when you think the dry, short-note riffs make it sound even more careless than track one, the band's shouts come in and pierce your ears with pleasure.
On the other hand, M4 "Autumn Shade Ⅱ" unfolds a gloomy and aesthetic world, while M8 "Rainfall" features evergreen harmonies.
The band's favorite song on this album is track 6, "Winning Days." The fact that it's also the album title shows how confident the band is.
The song is already filled with a sense of euphoria from the very beginning, with acoustic guitar arpeggios, breathy vocals, and multiple choruses.
It has a similar texture to track 5 "Homesick" from the first album, but this one feels more mature, and has a warmth that even envelops resignation.
When I listen to this song, I'm reminded of the first time I heard it in junior high school... but for some reason, I don't. Rather, the first feeling I had always comes back to me.
I'm in a place I've never been to, and I'm feeling sentimental. But it's a strange feeling, one that isn't just sad.
It's a simple yet tasteful album that will surely appeal to modern band fans.
