What’s the 4-1-1?
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, The Vacancies' music and live performances give the listener an honest and profound punk rock that is magnified by their high energy, high powered shows. This is their sophomore album, and first album for Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records label.
Genre
Punk rock / hard rock
The Good
“Children of the Century” start off with a bang as it establishes itself as the anthem for the depressed youth in their hometown of Cleveland. Chugga-chugga riffing runs rampant on “Save Yourself”. The chorus has a great punk rock hook. “Radio Revolution” compares classic rock radio to the corporate crap they shove down your throat today. It’s backed by a swinging rock rhythm. “Closer” is a hard-charging ode to discovering a new love. The main guitar riff is just as addictive as the lyrical pattern.
“Don’t Want to Know” chugs along at a fervent pace as it explores life and death. “Forfeit” is just as fast paced, with a frantic vocal delivery. “Killing Time” explores the dangers of drinking with plenty of punk angst mixed with a memorable chorus. The end of the World is near is the message “One Day” sends out. “L.F.D.Y.” (Live Fast Die Young) is destined to become a prominent anthem for the punk rock community.
The Bad
The song titles are a little cliché.
The Verdict
In a world that’s littered with fake and homogenized punk rock (I’m talking to you Good Charlotte), it’s nice to hear that The Vacancies are saying ‘up yours’ to the establishment and playing punk rock the way it was meant to be. A Beat Missing or a Silence Added is loaded with all the pure, raw, and unbridled fury that is the underground punk scene. The songs are high energy, full of political and social observations, and exciting to hear and cut loose to.
Did You Know?
Joan Jett produced this album.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Originally posted by author at Rock-Is-Life.com
Published:CMP
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