The Vladimirs are dark and heavy like a beatnik, y’all. While “She’s Been Worshipping the Devil” is one of the funniest death-rock moments since, well, ever.
Well-played and aggressive as shit punk with the intensity of ’80s hardcore and something that’s distinctively their own. Only three songs apiece here.
You’re 25% less likely to get punched in the face by a dude in khaki shorts at their shows, and 80% more likely to think while listening to their lyrics.
Kitty delivers deliberate and cutesy vocals like The Dickies’ Leonard Phillips, but without his girlie warble. “Matter of Time” deserves a review all its own.
Garage rock to compare to the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs herk’n’jerk, or The Epoxies zany new wave via weirdo punk. Fuzzed-out keyboard smog populates mid-tempo grooves.
Part noisy college rock (when “alternative rock” was still ROCK), part punky rock, gonzo solos, and “I need a goddamn job!” hollers over Sex Pistols swagger.
Ditching the screaming and intense styles of their debut, going more melodic pop punk. Some of the songs are catchy and radio-friendly, about half are good.