Track Listing
1. Here 2. Touched 3. Dirty hole 4. Pretty when you cry 5. I'm dying 6. Flames 7. Temptation 8. Three doors 9. The Niles edge 10. Somewhere else to be 11. 12. You Year: 1998 Label: Elektra - Official Site |
VAST - 'Visual audio sensory theater' - By M. Freeman
Released in early 1998, Vast hit the industrial/rock scene with this, their fantastic debut album, full to the brim with brilliantly co-ordinated music, much done by the band frontman (Jon Crosby) who plays various instruments, as well as taking care of the vocals for the record. Despite Vast now boasting a band proper, the debut was practically Crosby's work, other than composition for some of the orchestral structuring. The gothic feel to the album is neither fake, nor a mistake, it was the intention all along to create a gothic atmosphere to the album and it is done in true style. Many of the songs feature vocal chants from choirs and others in a similar vein. If there is one down point to the album, it is perhaps a little over-usage of added vocals which in places overlap the quality of the records sound, nonetheless there are no more complaints, as far as debut albums go, this is a great place to begin. 'All I know is that I'm here, drifting somewhere in the vast. Somewhere in eternity, and I never want to leave' show off the great lyrical profoundness, this time taken from 'Here', which never cease to be in the album. Second track 'Touched' was the piece which launched Vast in to the spotlight, whilst not being a personal favourite, there is obvious appeal and the recognition was more than deserved. Interesting juxtaposition is a mild way of putting the lyrical content of 'Dirty Hole' as Crosby compares the woman he loves to that of a tomb, the intensity is mirrored in following track 'Pretty When You Cry', another great cut from the album. Track six 'Flames' is a love song, the fragility is beautiful, string movements create a perfect candle lit image which begs to be listened to over and over to appreciate the moving feel which echoes and shows a confidence within Crosby's musicianship. 'Temptation' and 'Three Doors' are both slightly quicker numbers with plenty of bass and lyrics which can claim to have some of the best poetic writing heard in recent times. 'The Niles Edge' has an eerie feel of tormented pain that flows peacefully through some magnificent down tuned music. The final three songs fit together nicely, and end on an appropriate note with 'You', a spacey feel shadows the vocals in a spiritual and somber manner. The album does not give any answers to the meaning of life, but raises the questions which everyone wishes to answer, Crosby claimed that Vast's music is searching for the truth, the truth is that this album is on a scale of musical quality which cannot be compared to any other. Only the listener may make their mind up about this record, but everyone should give it a chance, most true music lovers will not regret it. Metal Obsessive Grade: 88% |