Pacer, Vinland, Plight @ Hard Rock Café, Friday January 16, 2004

review by psyko

It was the first time Black & I check out our own Montreal sweethearts at Hard Rock Café (and boy was it packed!), and although I’ve seen Plight and Pacer before, both managed to renew our hard-rock experience which was quite rejuvenating and loud! Just the way we like it! Vinland, a band I checked out that night for the first time though, impressed me and is a band I will be following for a while.

With Roberto on bass, his brother Carlos on drums, Jeff on vocals and Lemy on guitar, these guys embraced the darkness of rock and roll and delivered it in such a passionately heavy way that got me hooked on every riff, every word and every beat. These guys are creative and combine what I think are the best ingredients of minimalist British post-punk bands of the late 70’s early 80’s with the emotional confusion of the new. 

I stood and talked with the members after the show and these modest guys are hard working and are looking for their break. The biggest challenge yet is finding bands who perform similarly to their style, to perform with or open up for. Besides, not many bands can modernise the integration of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, U2 and the Cure, with lyrical influences from the Doors and Pearl Jam, which often stem from Vinland’s own interests including those related to politics or the environment. If you or anyone you know, can think of a band these guys can play with, do let them know! When I asked them why they chose the name Vinland (ideas of arrival), they say it’s a mark away from what other bands make as music, and that Vinland creates their own, and eventually through simplicity to their advantage, their music is easy to get into, and is quite catchy. They ended their show with a long instrumental piece that got everyone so hyped up and moving, they raped me!!! Vinland has come a long way but the race is not over yet, they plan on keep doing what they love and hopefully come across some contacts or opportunities. They have a demo CD out and be sure to check out their website, and listen in on their awesome samples. Excuse the quality of the pictures attached to this review, I ain’t a photographer but at least you’ll get an idea J

We here at the MontrealMusicScene wish you the best of luck and keep us posted!

www.vinlandfans.com

~psyko

If your band would like a review, please email reviews@montrealmusicscene.com 

Vinland

Plight