Vectralux - The Subtle Extravaganza

Atlanta's Vectralux opens its five-song EP with one called "Dopamine," and it's a song title that describes much of the music that follows after it. The group performs with such enthusiasm, it's difficult not to get caught up in the emotion of it all.

The act points to influences like The Pixies and Pavement, but the project's second track, "Agonizing Reappraisal," brings to mind pleasant associations with The Hold Steady. Then "Liquid Animal," with its Film Noir-esque guitar twang, may just remind you of Elvis Costello's "Watching The Detectives." In fact, the latter song's lyric references criminal acts, so the association is even closer than upon first inspection. It even includes a nasty (that means good) electric guitar solo, as well as fantastically pounding drums. Toward the end of the tune, it even takes on the character of a glam rock anthem. Indeed, there's plenty of good stuff going on within this recording. So much for the listener to hang his/her hat on. There is also plenty of enjoyable electric piano, if all those other pleasantries were not enough.
With "The Top," a 5:19 opus, Vectralux digs into some woozily beautiful psychedelic vibes. It includes a keyboard sound that just takes the listener to a different level. It's as ambient as it is rocking, and yet one more flavor on a multi-flavored effort. The album closes with another long one, "Ghosts," which clocks in at 5:21. This one is more of a heartfelt, sincere song, rather than something more experimental (like much of what comes before it).

There is plenty to get excited about with Vectralux, as its The Subtle Extravaganza project doesn't have a single dud in the bunch.

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