You know what you are getting with Craig's lot: a selection of sun-kissed rock-outs and sultry ballads that get you in the summer mood straight away.
There's no warming up involved with Vision Valley, it's intravenous rock and heart-rending gorgeousness from the get go.
Like the last offering Winning Days, the album has a few more forgettable moments that make even this incredibly brief album seem a bit sluggish. Nevertheless, aside from some weaknesses, Vision Valley is classic Aussie rock with no holds barred electric guitar strumming and distortion pedal stomping. Tracks like Anysound, Nothin's Comin' and Gross Out are perfect flashes of grungy madness that compel you to drive that little bit faster or work in the gym that little bit harder.
On a personal level, it has always been the more intimate side of Craig Nicholls song writing that I look forward to the most, especially at home as opposed to seeing them live. Past beauties such as Homesick, Country Yard from Highly Evolved and Amnesia and Rainfall from Winning Days always stood out. Likewise, on Vision Valley, the gloriously perfect Take Me Back and title track Vision Valley are reminders of Nicholls writing skills. These are clear moments of Brian Wilson-esque harmonizing genius.
Finally before you know it, you're at the mosh-tastic Atmos and the epic (for the Vines anyway) Spaceship which is soulful Led Zep lite. Never a better way to end a great album than with a soaring, effects-laden guitar solo.
The Vines are a dependable bunch. You know what you get and you're never disappointed.
