If you think you have a musical GPS system in your head, then after the first listen of Vincent Black Shadow’s More Deeper you’ll probably pin them under Detroit or somewhere else in Michigan as I did at first. It was my mistake to assume that none of that exhaust emanating from VBS could be from Baltamont, Maryland. Vincent Black Shadow chooses to pay homage to horsepower by bearing the same name as a 1950s motorcycle, a badass vintage speed demon, and potential infringement aside, I believe VBS deserves this title. It just makes sense. There’s plenty of fuzzy guitar wailing, savage throaty vocals, and high-energy psychedelic acid rock to remind you of bands like Boris, Nebula, or Fu Manchu. Frontman Adam Savage also employs the lewdness factor of proto-punk veterans the Stooges. This band kicks out jams like MC5, and gets as furiously funky as Deep Purple, but with speed instead of weed (”Dome City,” “Restless,” “Pac Man Jones”).

Sadly, there are only nine tracks of rock ‘n rolly goodness on More Deeper, cut just short enough to make you crave more. I’m already itching to go see them play live This type of energy demands a better environment than my bedroom. The album was recorded live in the studio and on analog tape, so if you subscribe to all that is loud, dirty, and raw, then you will definitely be pleased with More Deeper. Sure, there are plenty of other bands who boast this super-charged vintage rock sound, but Vincent Black Shadow indulges in it and savors each moment. If you’re into major catchy and groovy hooks, VBS makes sure you get your fix, and sometimes they will beat the rhythm into your head like a brutal hardcore assault (”Volume One,” “Wooden Kimono”). This album is like getting drugged, mugged, and being driven through a tunnel of strobe-lights and razors…if that sounds like something you may not be into, you will be, just give it a spin. “OH YEAH!”

Vincent Black Shadow - Volume One

Vincent Black Shadow - Shamanix

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