Album Review

The Vestals – Perfect Pain/ Seventeen

• 5th Feb 2013

This debut double A-side single from Newport’s The Vestals gives a good introduction to the Welsh four piece band’s bright indie-pop sound. With slick guitar hooks, heavy bass and melodic vocals, there is something of the throwback about this band. But there is also a feelgood freshness that given their music a modern texture.

Perfect Pain sparkles from the opening burst of acoustic guitar. The vocals are strong and melodic and the bass is prominent in a love song with an edge to it. The song is catchy and soars nicely to a big chorus that is simple but memorable. In essence it is a very good guitar pop song. Seventeen has a similar feel but with more of a guitar riff to drive it. Again the vocals are powerful and emotive and the fine bass line adds a great depth to the sound.

There is a simplicity to The Vestal’s sound that has a summery feel to it, upbeat harmonious and uplifting. As a debut release this single marks them as a very promising young band. Let’s see where they can take it from here – they could go a long way.

Venue: Perfect Pain/ Seventeen
Support Band: Killing Moon Records