Stunning, Epic Indie
The Visions ne้ The Dawn Parade have been so prolific in their native land of East Anglia that it seems amazing that this is only their debut album, but we can only hope that the long wait has heightened the anticipation and fine-tuned the tunes.
'Morrissey's Tongue' is one of the first tracks showcased under the band's new name; it's a chipper indie song with a rousing chorus that recalls the magnetic love affair with Morrissey that plenty of young people can relate to. It's a charming number but it feels a little over produced in places with the backing track sapping a little of the spontaneous, raw power of the tune. 'Into The Nightlife', another new number, is a hypnotic whirl of twinkling tension with chimes, echoes and a mysterious feel that really engulfs you in the sentiments of the chorus and makes you want to throw open the curtains and surrender yourself to the shimmering synths and impassioned guitars.
'Wider Than The January Skies' is a ballad of epic proportions that seems to stretch into infinity; the soaring vocals and aching guitars probably resonate into space somewhere. I'm such a massive fan of this tune that it breaks my heart to find a fault, but the production on this album version seems to sedate a little of the rawness that really sold the song live. It's still a simply gorgeous tune that can't fail to melt your heart though. In contrast 'Hole In My Heart' kicks off with ballsy guitar riffs that wouldn't sound out of place on 'Teenage Kicks' and continues to career along full of charismatic energy despite the reflective lyrics, "I wish I could explain why I don't smile no more", and the just plain quirky, "Now I've cut my hair I must be sexy and cool, just like you".
'The Passion' is a blistering, breezy love song with a biblical twist; it's just as curious and captivating as it sounds with chiming guitars and insistent vocals matching a catchy tune. 'Look Ma, I'm A Soldier' grabs your ears as a brooding but frantic affair that catapults the poignant potential thoughts of a Sierra Leone child soldier into your comfy homes. With a beautiful, stirring refrain, 'The Craving' is a rich, pensive tune that lures you into a full-bodied, bold chorus, which could certainly be stunning radio material and is one of the high points of 'Into The Nightlife'.
An aural voyage around the city, 'Cambridge Girl' turns from a moody, twisting pop song with minor undertones to an explosion of jerky energy in its parting lines. 'Salt And Vinegar Lips' is another brutally personal account that simmers into an airy slow-burning tune, rather like the simply sweet 'Good Luck Olivia'.
The Visions under their old guise were the cure for depression that the NHS never knew about; music that could really evoke passion, be it anger or sorrow and make you want to embrace the world whole heartedly and never let go. The songs on this album are extensively the same tunes that could evoke so much emotion and bear the same marks of impressive song writing - cutting honesty and social commentary. Yes, you should love The Visions for the power of the songs, which combine striving idealism with comments on mundane reality, but I do feel that the production occasionally muddies the tunes on this otherwise stunning and diverse album.