Now I don’t like blowing my own trumpet, but when I’ve done a bit of a Mystic Meg in tipping these lads for success, then I think I’m entitled to.
I posted my first article on Vinyl Jacket as far back as May last year, when the band had only first taken shape. A second article came in the form of a review of the band’s support of Hockey last June, and a third upon the release of their fantastic track, ‘Broken Record‘ in October. My fourth article will focus around Vinyl Jacket‘s latest release, ‘Painting Stations‘, however we must first consider the progress the band has made.
In less than a year the band has managed to achieve great success in both the Amazing Radio and Amazing Tunes charts, while also receiving multiple plays on the fantastic BBC Radio 6. It doesn’t end there, as the band were also selected as part of the Best of MySpace competition, while also receiving national airplay on Chris Moyles’ BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show. I could go on and on about the other achievements Vinyl Jacket have conquered in the time since I first gave their tracks a listen, but needless to say Vinyl Jacket have only gone from strength to strength, and are in the process of solidifying their presence on the national stage.
Painting Stations saw Vinyl Jacket record their first music video (filmed locally in Northumberland), and it really is a cracker.
Playing very much to their strengths, ‘Painting Stations‘ is a showcase of the eclectic influences that are at work in Vinyl Jacket‘s sound. Varied yet driven percussion, jangly guitars and springs of synths create a track that is not only upbeat and interesting , but incredibly likable. In my early reviews of Vinyl Jacket, I mentioned that the band’s sound was very reminiscent of The Holloways and Vampire Weekend. While this is very much the case, with ‘Painting Stations‘ there is a distinct step forward in the band’s sound. All the key qualities are there, but what some have termed ‘overcrowding’ (Stick to pies Moyles) in ‘Painting Stations‘, I take as a level depth and complexity. As we have seen with the likes of Everything Everything, the most interesting tracks are not those that follow a set pattern of one sound, instead those brave enough to enthrall a listener with sudden changes in tempo, tone and direction are worthy of praise and attention. Vinyl Jacket have done exactly this with ‘Painting Stations‘, which at one moment can be sharp and jumpy, and then smooth and harmonious the next, culminating to become one of my favourite tracks of the year so far.
‘Painting Stations‘ is out on the 21st February on The Calico Print.