Album Review: Vanity Riots - 'Ambulance'

8 December 2013 | 4:25 pm | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

Some of the best hard rock to come out of Sydney.

Sydney’s Vanity Riots, like most bands finding their feet, have been perhaps hit and miss in their infancy. However, it’s all trial and error in the beginning and new EP ‘Ambulance’ is reflective of an outfit becoming more assured.

Local scenes all over the world are littered with dead-end bands where musical development is merely an inconvenient afterthought. Fortunately, Vanity Riots are not one of those bands. Having moved on from their slightly indifferent glam-rock influenced sound that made their first, self-titled EP, the band has taken their hard rock roots and embraced their metalcore influences, which can be clearly heard at many points throughout the EP (particularly on 'You're Poison').

The band incorporates a great range of influences, and whether it be the type of hard rock you'd expect from Guns N Roses or Van Halen, or the heavy metalcore from acts like Parkway Drive or I Killed The Prom Queen, the group pulls it off exceptionally well. There is also a key influence in the guitar parts, particularly in the solos, from modern metal bands like Avenged Sevenfold, which will see metal fans lap this up.

Vanity Riots really shine through on the EP's mid-point, 'I Love You (Almost As Much As I Love Me)’, building off a guitar riff that sets the mood and energy. Monica Strut showcases a versatile range.

'Ambulance' is a solid EP, which provides a promising platform for 2014 and beyond.

'Ambulance' is a bit rough around the edges at some points, but all in all, it's a really strong release. Vanity Riots are the type of band that now have a deserved spot in the local scene.

  1.  Ambulance
  2. Bloodsucker
  3. I Love You (Almost As Much As I Love Me)
  4. You're Poision
  5. Revival