Screen Vinyl Image

Interceptors

BY Brock ThiessenPublished Jun 1, 2009

Maybe the last thing we need right now is another group of shoegaze revivalists. After all, it's not like there's been a shortage in recent years, what with outfits like A Place to Bury Strangers, Serena Maneesh, Ulrich Schnauss and countless others all dusting off the decades-old formula and calling it their own. Redundant or not, it's hard to argue that all of the above haven't at least tried to reinvent some old wheels, and the same goes for U.S. newcomers Screen Vinyl Image. Like their anachronistic peers, this "electrogaze" duo of Jake and Kim Reid owe a great debt to pioneers like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and especially another pair of Reids: Jim and William of the Jesus & Mary Chain. However, where Screen Vinyl Image mix things up on their debut full-length, Interceptors, is in their ability to incorporate some clever bits of synth-led psychedelia, à la John Carpenter and Tangerine Dream. When done right, this pummelling combo of screaming guitar noise and cinematic atmosphere hits its mark and, more importantly, makes Interceptors worth the spin.
(Custom Made)

Latest Coverage