After following a band for a number of years, one might expect an "off album" at some point. Not so with the Vigilantes of Love; they never fail to delight, and Summershine is no exception.
The lineup for this CD is the longest-running in the band's history: Bill Mallonee on lead vocals and guitar, Kevin Heuer on drums and percussion, and Jake Bradley on bass.
While the sound of the new CD is different from past recordings from the band, it still sounds like the VOL so many know and love. The general sound is more light pop than on previous outings, but Mallonee holds true to form with thoughtful songwriting and a lullaby to close the CD.
Unfortunately, the CD has failed to have the hoped-for impact on radio and college campuses. Perhaps it's the lack of fashionable angst; perhaps it's the slowdown of all retail activity since September 11; it's hard to tell. In any case, Summershine is a fine CD and one well worth checking out. In a perfect world (or even a fair one), songwriting of this high caliber would be rewarded with commercial success. Only you, the consumer, can make it so. Choose wisely.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Brian A. SmithSometimes you hear a record that makes you lose your objectivity. As a critic, you think "I can't just rave about a record without finding something wrong with it!" Summershine, the latest gem from Vigilantes of Love, made me work awfully hard to find anything negative. In fact, I would say this album ensures that I will deliver my annual rant to anyone who will listen, along the lines of: "VoL…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaThe line up of Bill Mallonee, Jake Bradley, and Kevin Heuer is the strongest in the history of the Vigilantes of Love and Summershine is one of the best records in the band's history. With a mighty fan base and an accessible, approachable musician presence, VoL is making waves on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. However, the pre-CD hype of a complete style change is not fulfilled. Summershine is…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Aaron BellTime for some brutal honesty... I have never been a huge fan of Vigilantes of Love. I have enjoyed their stuff; they were good, but didn't connect with me like they had with so many other critics. I enjoyed them, but their work never made it into my "always playing" list. I cordially went along with the crowd on the topic of VoL. I accepted that they had a way of touching a nerve in many critics,…Similar sounding releases
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