Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Studio Two has borne witness to many bands over the years, if not in the studio next door, then certainly on stage in the off dark recess of a room that has captured the imagination and the glow of satisfaction in the eyes of all who pass under the neon red sign warning that recording is in progress and the sound that can be heard up and down Parr Street.

That magic is enhanced when a young group has utter belief and confidence in their ability and that they capture the night’s performance so well that the air of the crowd in the venue is in tandem with them, the confidence spreads, the enjoyment of the band raises and the audience understands just how important the people on stage in front of them will become to them. When, as a passive viewer, you can witness a whole group of people getting the lyric, not just singing it but truly enveloping themselves in the meaning, that’s when you comprehend just how important confidence is.

In the band Vitamin, confidence is not alone, it goes hand in hand with young firebrand talent and oozing sensuality; the burgeoning appeal of musical sexuality being offered; after all confidence is sexy, confidence is attractive and the music on offer by the group certainly falls into that category and urges the listener to become fascinated by the swing gate effect between the band and their audience; the love, evident and true, certainly went both ways.

The set arguably could have gone on for a lot longer, such was the hypnotic stance set out that nobody would have minded if it had. In songs such as the opener Dancing On The Sun, To Believe, the excellent Brothers & Sisters, This Isn’t Love and Waterfall, Vitamin were on top form, the language of the music driving home the beat and the demand for Pop/Rock combination.

Confidence is normally only gained with age and perspective; to see it in a young band, one not afraid to hide behind the equipment and lyrical repose is to know attraction and Vitamin have that all in hand.

Ian D. Hall