Vivian Girls

Vivian Girls' myspace cites The Wipers and Nirvana as influences, and the two are certainly appropriate, but other sounds are abound on their debut self titled record (re-issued 9/30 on In The Red after the initial 500 instantly sold out), including hints of the Vaselines, Stone Roses, and the Jesus and Mary Chain. Fuzz fills any void as angels harmonize from above, churning out ten easily likeable pop/punk/shoegaze songs in just over twenty minutes. Check out highlight "Tell the World" streaming from the myspace link above to sample one of their punchiest moments. The inner sleeve of the record lists the members under the aliases Kickball Katy (bass), Cassie Ramone (guitar), and (the recently departed for fellow fledgling Brooklyn group Crystal Stilts) Frankie Rose (drums), all underneath their respective faux-high school yearbook snapshots. The Brooklynites' record comes off as unfathomably simple and effortless, its brevity begging multiple listens in a sitting. Brief blip on independent music radars? Probable. Next big thing in girl group pop? Possible. Either way, Vivian Girls is a standout record in a year where all it really takes to do so is a solid sonic foundation and a yearning for fun. Being a few awkwardly cute hip lasses doesn't hurt either.

Vivian Girls have been opening for Fucked Up as of late (including the Great Scott show) and until CMJ comes up in a week or two, all before a few dates with Deerhunter & Times New Viking (I'll check out the date at the Paradise 11/10), King Khan & BBQ Show, and Love Is All to round up November. December sees them hopping over to England for a couple weeks, and they've even scored an opening slot before Yo La Tengo and The Feelies on New Year's Eve in Jersey.

Speaking of Fucked Up, their new record The Chemistry of Common Life officially dropped this week on Matador records (Best New Music on Pitchfork, allmusic.com Album Pick.. who knew?). Their 12-hour extravaganza show Tuesday saw guests ranging from Moby to J Mascis, who were clearly only there for the free beer Pink Eyes promised. Wish I was there.

And speaking of ye olde punk rock, Jonathan Richman's playing 15 minutes away in Northampton tonite so I'll check that out - read this if ya want the real deal details.




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