Hailing from Tamworth in the Midlands, Lo$t in Vega$ have laid down a considerable amount of groundwork since forming in 2004, various big gig supports to the likes of Blaze Bailey, Panic Cell and Duff McKeagan etc. has also helped staple this young band in the minds of many.
Musically, opening track ‘Wash Away’ has an infectious, notorious groove, I am taken back to Soundgarden’s groundbreaking release ‘Badmotorfinger’ and a touch of the UK’s Panic Cell and now defunct Infobia. Their musical categorisation if you wish, is alternative and modern metal (not Nu!!) but taking their influences from before and during that ill-fated invention/genre. Chris Lynch has a varied range in his vocal ability and a great consistency. My only criticism throughout this release is that there appears to be a defined stop/start to the verse/chorus link in some tracks, I feel there is a “gap”, leading to it, it kills some flow in my mind. ‘Nothing’ would sit well with most of the Lost Prophets/Papa Roach crowd, bouncy, strong emotive vocals and a powerful backing ass kick in musical terms. The quieter moments intertwined with some serenading guitar work breaks things up nicely before hitting the groove again. Emotional songs continue with ‘Chasing the Dragon’ that display once again this bands talent for putting tracks together that are both memorable and reflective of real issues and observations. The defining moment for this track for me is the guitar solo; its tone simply cuts through you, whilst not the heaviest, it is a stand out tune. ‘The World is Ending’ rounds off this six-track release, more emotion and breaks before the chorus that disjoints the track, whilst possessing a balance between staccato chugs and considerably powerful vocal screams that merits a well deserved pat on the back.
In summary, quite a “modern” release, Lo$t In Vega$ fill that gap between the young “modern metal” and alternative scenes rather well. The songs are crafted with experience, there are some cracking deliveries but some points noted have room for improvement, but being a young British band, they quite rightly deserve some support that is warranted by the quality of this release.
http://www.lostinvegas.co.uk
