Released by: Frontiers Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Melodic Rock
Links: https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIALVEGA/
Line Up:
Nick Workman: Lead vocals, backing vocals, acoustic guitar and wall hitter
Tom Martin: Bass guitar
Marcus Thurston: Lead Guitar
James Martin: Keyboards
Mikey Kew: Guitar, backing vocals
Martin “Hutch” Hutchinson: Drums
Tracklist:
01 Let’s Have Fun Tonight
02 Worth Dying For
03 Last Man Standing
04 Come Back Again
05 All Over Now
06 Mess You Made
07 Only Human
08 Standing Still
09 Gravity
10 Turning Pages
11 Fade Away
12 Go To War
The current New Wave of Melodic Hard Rock bands has really kicked it up a notch. Groups like H.E.A.T., W.E.T., Station, and so many others have taken this genre and reinvigorated it not only with a shot of youthful approach, but just a whole new angle on this tried and true style. One band that is trying to come to some prominence is VEGA. They’re on album #5 and have been popping up on my radar the last few years. While they’re not necessarily the first band I go to for this sound, they’re fast becoming a favorite of mine.
The album, Only Human, has had tracks popping up on various playlists I’ve encountered lately, and the songs I’ve heard through those as well as numerous spins of the album have shown a distinct growth in the songwriting. Kind of a mish-mash of Europe, House of Lords, and Danger Danger. VEGA isn’t really trying to redefine the genre itself, they stick pretty close to what they’ve been doing in recent years: writing simple, concise and catchy tunes with a keen sense of melodic feel. “Standing Still,” “Last Man Standing,” “Gravity,” and “All Over Now” show the band sounding better than ever, delivering a fine album that is keeping them on the upward rise.
If I was to make a complaint about this album and band would be that VEGA doesn’t necessarily try to branch out and create a sound all their own, relying more on their ability to emulate already established sounds from within their influences. It’s not a major issue, but I think sometimes it sounds like they’re playing it safe in that regard. Otherwise, they’re talented as hell, and their music is enjoyable none-the-less, and Only Human is a solid album with some great tunes.
Written by: Chris Martin
Ratings: 8/10
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