Victories At Sea - Everything Forever

by Anthony Strutt

published: 25 / 11 / 2015

Label: Static Caravan
Format: CD

Over poppy but promising debut album from 80's-influenced Birmingham-based newcomers Victories At Sea, which is being released on vinyl in a limited edition of three hundred copies

Review

Birmingham-based band Victories At Sea have recorded their debut album 'Everything Forever' in Digbeth, a rather run down part of the city, just up the road from the massive shopping centre known as the Bull Ring and also home to my local Birmingham venue, The Institute. The band have recently toured with fellow locals, Editors and Savages, and claim that their influences include Slowdive but to my old ears that doesn't shine on through in their music at all. 'Everything Forever' has a very small run on vinyl of just three hundred, and otherwise is only available on download. 'Bloom' kicks off the album, which has a similar style of keyboards used to kick off the Chameleons' 1985 second album 'What Does Anything Mean Basically?', before the guitar kicks in. Front man JP's vocals are charming, and, with the addition of drum machine-like drums, it is all together very friendly and very danceable. 'Florentine' is very pop, radio-friendly and looking for a hit. While you are busy happily dancing, you might think you were at a night back in the 80s. 'Up' has big, hypnotic beats which recollect New Order, while the guitars again sparkle like the Chameleons. 'On Your Own' is like a familiar Pet Shop Boys and again very poppy. 'DMC' is harder-edged and more progressive, before it develops an electro groove. 'Poles Apart' sounds like White Lies in every way and manner. It has a great build up, and jangles beautifully with fine drum work. 'Swim' starts with a Bunnymen style riff, while the bass weaves between the drums and guitar, full of passion and fury. 'Future Gold' returns to their 80's sound, sounding like the best edges of New Order/Simple Minds/the Lotus Eaters/OMD. 'Into the Fire' is a fast-paced electro number, and, again like White Lies, has a great catchy ending. 'Sirens' is more exotic in feel, full of dark shadows, shade and light, until it picks up in its moody closing moments. Sadly for my ears it's not moody enough, and the band seem to be chasing the poppy edges of the 80s too much for my ears.

Track Listing:-

1 Bloom
2 Florentine
3 Up
4 On Your Own
5 DMC
6 Poles Apart
7 Swim
8 Future Gold
9 Into the Fire
10 Sirens

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/Victories-at-
https://twitter.com/victoriesatsea
https://www.youtube.com/user/victories
http://www.songkick.com/artists/326291