VAIN – Rolling With The Punches (2017)
US, San Francisco based rockers VAIN return with a new release titled “Rolling With The Punches“, the follow up to their 2011 critically acclaimed album. We had to wait almost six years for a new studio CD, but well worth it as the new songs are plenty of ripping guitars & haunting vocals, and in terms of sound, while updated, bring back memories to their celebrated 1989 debut.
Indeed, “Rolling With The Punches” on many aspects (and despite the band released various albums after) it’s the natural successor to Vain’s debut ‘No Respect’, one of best hard rock records appeared in 1989.
Opener and title track is classic Vain – a slow burn start, simmering sexuality and guitar that perfectly drives the song along. It’s not an ‘out and out’ rocker but it manages to encapsulate all that made Vain so very special. It underlines what fans always knew – they really were a big band out the ’80s that slipped under many people’s radar.
‘Deliver the Passion’ starts out with that trademark Vain sound and an impassioned Davy Vain vocal phrasing, and jumps right at you and sticks on your back all the way home. It’s a tour de force, fresh, immediate and so full of energy you fear for the speakers.
‘Long Gone’ is even more robust with a traditional hard rocking riff and enticing solo before Davy’s vocals come in and take over – sonically we’re in classic ‘No Respect’ territory.
‘Dark City’ takes the intensity down a notch, a moodier piece that gives a little respite and hangs on a sing-along chorus before the even moodier ‘Bury Some Pain’, which simmers and sizzles as Davy recounts his tale.
After the initial bluster, the darker side of Vain shines through with ‘It’s a Long Goodbye’ delivering a midtempo swing that makes you move and sway, crowned by a staggering spot-on solo. ‘Inside Out’ takes us up a notch in dynamics, another solid song.
We are now in top gear with ‘Don’t Let It Happen to You’ which cranks it up with a blast of guitar and drums and proceeds to build to a crescendo that is vintage Vain.
‘Sacrifice’ starts with studio chat and a simple guitar line and voice, before exploding majestically out of music player as Davy snarls the opening lines and the guitars wail. It’s a song that mirrors that fiery opening track as does the shimmering, staccato ‘Show Your Love’ which leads us into a fine finale.
‘Sip The Wine’ is a digital-only bonus track, and packs that groove & swagger Vain is know for, with a catchy, melodic chorus. It’s a shame that will not be included into the physical CD, as it’s one of the best songs on the album.
How good is “Rolling With the Punches”? Well it’s very, very good indeed. Dare I say it Vain’s second best record in a career that has seen some fine releases.
You have the catchiness, the groove, that classic ’80s hard rock feeling blended with melody, and it’s really well recorded & produced.
Highly Recommended
01 – Rolling With The Punches
02 – Deliver The Passion
03 – Long Gone
04 – Dark City
05 – Bury Some Pain
06 – It’s A Long Goodbye
07 – Inside Out
08 – Don’t Let It Happen To You
09 – Sacrifice
10 – Show Your Love
11 – Sip The Wine (Bonus Track)
Davy Vain – Vocals, Guitar
Jamie Scott – Guitar
Danny West – Guitar
Ashley Mitchell – Bass
Tommy Rickard – Drums
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