Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
The time to Grit Your Teeth and push through the pain barrier of unwelcome opinion has arguably never been pertinent than it is now and whilst the world finds ways to tear itself apart, to insist on someone else’s sacrifice just so they can continue to be the top dog at the party, the open air event for the headline act which guarantees the status quo in perpetuity, others who have more than earned their shot at the top are left wondering when it will be them, when will the status quo be replaced.
In the last few years there have been a number of bands of the rock variety, upcomers, the exciting new blood that is chomping at the bit to be seen the worthy successors to those that have dominated the universal gathering that is stadium Rock, and among them proudly stands a band who have toured with the genius of bands such as Magnum, The Quire Boys and Skid Row, all luminaries and bright stars in their own right, and in their latest album release, Grit Your Teeth, Vega have once more taken the monolith of Rock and given it the kind of blow, the unstoppable boxing glove to the arrogant punch bag, that shows just how good their clout is.
Tracks such as the opening salvo of Blind and (I Don’t Need) Perfection, and onwards into the skirmish of Don’t Fool Yourself, This One’s For You, and through the excellent demolition that struts with flags and banners raised high with Battles Ain’t A War and Save Me From Myself, not only are perfect examples of the way the band can stand up be counted amongst their peers, but are timely reminders that the world didn’t freeze in the 1990s, that the megabands didn’t sign a legal piece of paper to keep them at the top for the next thirty years.
Grit Your Teeth, the time had come to lay the cards down on the table, revolutions come from the change in the social thinking and the urge to have a fresh flavour running through the veins of artistic and creative endeavour, Grit Your Teeth and then relax, for Vega have more than enough to take on the fight.
An outstanding album from Nick Workman, Martin Hutchinson, Marcus Thurston, Michael Kew and Tom and James Martin, outstanding highs, the patience to know that you have to confront the lows, Grit Your Teeth, then smile broadly, because Vega will not put out the fire and fury they have created as they serve notice that they are ready to be at the forefront of the new headline upheaval.
Vega release Grit Your Teeth on June 12th
Ian D. Hall