‘Darling Buds Of May’ is the new single from Viva Brother, a band we’ve covered here previously with their last single, ‘New Year’s Day’. Like ‘New Year’s Day‘, ‘Darling Buds Of May’ is taken from the band’s forthcoming album, Famous First Words, released on the 1st of August. The album that is, not the single, which is out now (yes, I know, I made the same lame ‘joke’ in the last review, but I’m startlingly unoriginal).
So, let’s get right to it shall we! Is DBOM decent? Well thanks for asking, and yes, it is! In a similar vein as NYD, it showcases the talent the band have for writing a great pop song in an indie fashion, utilising some great jangly melodies and an eminently sing along-able chorus. The rhythm section in particular is a strong point for Viva Brother, and they keep pace and beat brilliantly, allowing the guitar to venture out from the restraints that some indie bands seem to place on their six string. Sprinkling the track with some small sparkling skyscapes, whilst also jamming away in the background at times, the vocals and rhythm carry the track at times, but guiding them in what way they’ll take it.
A trait that Viva Brother seem to possess is that they manage to say a lot whilst not actually saying very much. A strange and confusing statement no doubt, but hear me out. What I mean is that the lyrics are quite minimal, yet they manage to ‘stretch’ them out over the music comfortably, leaving no holes so to speak. To use a hackneyed cliché (although surely all clichés by their very definition are hackneyed!?), they really do at times let the music do the talking. They also manage to make very little be very catchy, which is a sure sign of a good band. Some bands take forever with an encyclopaedia to say what Viva Brother can in just a few words.
So another good release from this band, and with their album due out in just a week and a bit, 2011 could prove to be breakthrough year for Viva Brother. Check them out now before they explode!
‘Darling Buds Of May’ is out now, and can be downloaded from their website if you click here. It’s also available on 7” vinyl from the same place.
Stuart Manson
