Search - Vendetta Red :: Between the Never & the Now

Between the Good and the Awesome

Ieatemokids | Virginia | 11/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whenever you attempt to jump headfirst into what seems to be the forthcoming "latest trend" you run the risk of haughty criticism and disappointed music fans who are sick and tired of fads. Vendetta Red is a "screamo" band, and one of the most stereotypical at that. You will find catchy punk melodies, emo moments, and the occasional gut wrenching scream. It all sounds so formulatic but then again, many genres are. Vendetta red though has an approach that shocked me to the songs. Even the heaviest numbers (with the exception of "Por Vida") start out calmly and the verses are almost always laid back. There is plenty of room to work with, and every number almost seems brooding (but not with the overuse of angst). The album opener is a great example of their sound in general. The slowly moving verses climax to a triumphant chorus that is shattered by a screaming bridge after its second appearance. "Opiate Summer" has a pop/punk feel to it, and a dang catchy chorus. "Shatterday" passes quickly, and is one of the least obvious example of their talent. They are able to pull off chaotic disasterpieces like "lipstick tourniquet" and calm to beautifully chugging ones such as "seconds away", one of the many highlights.Vendetta red mashes a lot of styles into one on the album, and however generic you blame them for being they still can surprise you at every turn. The end of the cd really pulls everything together. "Ambulence Chaser" is a breather from the surrounding tracks, the three heaviest on the album. The final two intend to go out with a bang, "Por Vida" rocks out in its entirety and the closer "PS love the black" is a lot of pieces thrown together but still surprisingly enjoyable. Most of the pieces came together perfectly on this album, with each listen it becomes more and more appealing. They may just run together with other bands at a glance but the music speaks for itself and this album is one of the best in its genre."

Scream or no scream?

boo-raddle | Seattle, WA USA | 02/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this CD. There's not a single track I don't like. However, if you don't like screaming bands, if you're one of those people that says "How much talent does it take to scream? I can't even understand him!" Then you probably won't like it. I normally don't like screamers. But the way Zack does it... it's inbetween melody and the things he's singing about are just so emotional that when he screams you know it's not an "I'm cool" scream. It's emotional without being angsty. And they're amazing live. I saw them last night. So... It's kind of safe to say that if you don't like scream then it's probably safe to say that you won't like it. If you don't mind, you'll love it."