Following their sold out EP "Fallen" last year, Leeds-based indie band Vib Gyor return with the heavier-tinged "The Secret EP" that is no less glorious and vast in scope.
- Genre: Indie / alternative / rock
- Dave Fendick (vocals), Zane Keenan (guitar / keyboards), Jonny Mulroy (guitar), Jonny Hooker (drums), Dan Spooner (bass)
- Sounds like: Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Coldplay
- Home: Leeds, United Kingdom
- Vib Gyor
No Fallen From Grace
With their last EP, 2006's Fallen, Leeds-based indie band Vib Gyor announced their arrival on the scene with a wonderfully crafted collection of genuinely impressive songs. From the infectious chorus of the title track itself, to the gorgeous How Long Have I Lost, this talented five piece showed that not only could they compete with the likes of Radiohead and Coldplay, but compete on an even keel.
Now back with a new release, the heavier-tinged The Secret EP, Vib Gyor continue to endorse the widespread praise they're getting from mainstream and specialist radio stations alike. And, just like the previous EP, it's not hard to see why such praise is forthcoming when you listen to what Vib Gyor has to offer.
Musical Urgency
Lead single, and the EP's title track, The Secret opens with a harshly-blown trumpet before exploding into a bass driven powerhouse of a song that proves to any Vib Gyor naysayer that the boys can be just as heavy as they are melodic. There's almost a feeling of impending danger, such is the breakneck speed and urgency with which the band attack this song.
This is followed by what is perhaps trademark Vib Gyor. Known for their love of lush arrangements and expansive sound, Scanners is all desperate keyboards leading a tune that instils itself in your head and acts as a reminder to Chris Martin that if he keeps his band away too long, there may be a new guest at the indie banquet table to take Coldplay's place.
Aging Well
Ultimatum, one of Vib Gyor's older songs which is given a fresh lick of paint here, is a beautiful, almost serene journey on a bed of aching guitar and keyboards, rounded off with the wonderfully emotive vocals of Fendick. If Sophia Coppola is looking for a dramatic soundtrack to her next production, she could save herself some time and check this band out instead.
Finishing the EP proper (there's a bonus instrumental at the end as a hidden track), Stalker is a live favourite that was recorded at the studios of influential indie station XFM and shows how Vib Gyor are just as impressive live as they are on disc.
Festival Momentum
With the festival season fast approaching again, and the band already veterans of the scene after a successful headline slot on the Topman Unsigned stage at the Leeds side of the Reading / Leeds festival last summer, Vib Gyor are building momentum nicely. If The Secret can give them the same success and notice that Fallen did (it sold out soon after its release last year), then 2007 could be the year that finally delivers for this must-know act.
