The Vines - Highly Evolved

Everyday it seems there’s another “next big thing” or “new Nirvana” to watch out for. Correct me if I’m wrong, but very few have made much of an impact as of yet (unless you count “lots and lots and LOTS of articles” and “heavy MTV2 rotation” as a big achievement). The Vines are the latest addition to this lot, and while they’re the most blatantly derivative (Kurt and Co., Bowie, the Beatles, etc), they’re also one of the most fun. Anguished screaming? Check. Detuned riffs? Ditto. Melodic sensibilities? You bet. Highly Evolved is a suitably ironic title for a disc so heavily influenced by the past. From the heavy duty flannel riffage on “Get Free” to the White Album bassline of “Factory,” every track on the Vines’ debut seems to one rock and roll movement or another. But you’ve gotta admit, these kids do it with style. The energy level stays nice and high throughout, and the production values have just the right amount of FM radio crispness - just in time for summer! This is a lofty comparison to be sure, but I am reminded a lot of Pablo Honey when I hear the Vines’ record. No one could have predicted that Radiohead would follow up “Creep” and the rest of Pablo’s borrowed alternarock by becoming the best band in the world, but the fact remains that they did it. Could lightning strike twice and do the same for The Vines? Who knows. While the disc says nothing new (seriously, though), I continue to be struck by how much I continue to like it. These Vines may just be growing after all. [www.thevines.mu]