Review Summary: A Miracle, from a certain point of view.
"The unstoppable Craig Nicholls and cohorts are back," so declared the sticker on my newly purchased copy of The Vines newest offering; "In Miracle Land." When you stop to reflect on that mere sticker, you realize there is truth to it. Considering all that frontman Craig Nicholls has had to endure throughout his career, the fact that he has persevered through it all is something to be admired. Granted his material hasn't always been stellar, however he is doing something he loves, so kudos for that.
I admit I stumbled on this album on YouTube by accident, and was delighted. All in all this record is their best since Winning Days. Why you ask? Firstly the production is incredibly well balance. I cannot remember the last rock record I listened to that had the bass up enough in the mix that it is clearly audible throughout the record. However more importantly, the band went out and made a solid rock album. Nothing more, nothing less. They do not try to do something new just for the sake of something new, but do what they know and are comfortable with. I realize most of you who read this review will say branching out is a venture every band should do, and those who don't are criticized for it like The Vines. However I seem to recall bands like Danko Jones and AC/DC never branching out and amazingly they don't get picked on for it. Why? I'm not going to try and answer that, but what matters is that "In Miracle Land," the band just seems to be having fun.
Musically the songs are quite simple but catchy, and dare I say memorable. Before I purchased this album, I listened to Skygazer on YouTube, which happens to be one of the highlights and a YouTube user made the comment that a 'child could play that song'. Perhaps a young person could play that song. However is that the point of music? To be ever more complex and technical? In my mind, no it is not. As long as a song reaches the listener on some level, it has done its job. A song could be incredibly complex, but if it does not affect you on any level, what has it done? Nothing.
All in all, I invite everyone to give this minor "Miracle" a try. It is the perfect summer record and may even incline you to dance the night away, and at other times hold your loved one close.
