Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Vamos describe themselves as “Ruff and ready”, judging by the powerful three chord arrangements and embracing nature of the songs on their new album, More Songs About Circles, that speak more about life in the 21st century than any Government report and media friendly social workers with a supposed good hearts could ever put into words. Vamos is just very cool and a threesome that almost anybody could hold onto without the feeling of guilt thrust upon them.
To denounce anyone for having the guts to brings songs to the table that raise the thought of animal supremacy or the delight of Pirate Radio just because the songs are quick and to the point without having to wrap up the lyric in a well hidden metaphor, is to denounce the art of writing to appeal to all. The accessible way that the lyrics tickle the taste buds of music delight is to pay homage to the very best of the bands that came along in the 1970s to shake the Progressive Rock artists, the pomp of Disco and the often pretentiousness of some of the bands that masked themselves in whatever was considered to be hip at the time.
With Tony Vamos, Vinny Vamos and the exoticly named BumYa Vamos giving the type of high power, quick and relentless beating to songs such as Plazzy Girl, the superb Rascal Radio, If You Think and Animals, it is more than a little moving to believe that somewhere in the great beyond the great John Peel would be rubbing his hands together in marvelled glee and extolling the virtues of this album. Whilst John Peel may no longer be with us, it is up to those with a taste for adventure and high spirits to keep bands such as Vamos going, it is quite a ride.
As they say themselves, Vamos are fun, more than that Vamos are intrinsically linked to the art of finding joy in even the smallest detail. More Songs About Circles is an album in which you won’t be able to help yourself bouncing round the room too and joining in with.
Ian D. Hall