Guelph unit VIDA's self-titled EP is a cacophonous, punchy set that borrows heavily from their post-hardcore predecessors, mashing blown out distortion with subtle melodies, very much in the vein of Drive Like Jehu.
VIDA's strongest moments are found on opener "Quality Control," which features a bouncy, driving bass line over which angular, creeping guitar riffs build before dropping into a speedier, more straightforward power chord slam. Closer "Failing Core Subjects" is also demonstrative of the band's ability to write stripped-down punk songs that get straight to the point and manage to remain memorable.
The middle tracks of the EP however, lose a bit of traction — the repetitive, rock'n'roll-inspired riffs and verse patterns in "Grumble" become worn out rather quickly, and take away from the more interesting parts of the song, such as the tremolo break at the end. Still, though VIDA could use some variation in pacing and solidify their hooks, they've still managed to craft a solid EP that offers an interesting variety of sonic textures and does what it sets out to do quite admirably.
(Independent)VIDA's strongest moments are found on opener "Quality Control," which features a bouncy, driving bass line over which angular, creeping guitar riffs build before dropping into a speedier, more straightforward power chord slam. Closer "Failing Core Subjects" is also demonstrative of the band's ability to write stripped-down punk songs that get straight to the point and manage to remain memorable.
The middle tracks of the EP however, lose a bit of traction — the repetitive, rock'n'roll-inspired riffs and verse patterns in "Grumble" become worn out rather quickly, and take away from the more interesting parts of the song, such as the tremolo break at the end. Still, though VIDA could use some variation in pacing and solidify their hooks, they've still managed to craft a solid EP that offers an interesting variety of sonic textures and does what it sets out to do quite admirably.