Having released an album nearly every year since coming together,
Vigilantes of Love
show a remarkable lack of atrophy in either songcraft or musicianship. If anything, the group has learned to do more with less, leader
Bill Mallonee
contributing some of his most concise songs yet.
"Galaxy"
is a tender
ballad
of consolation which
Mallonee
sings in a weary and loveworn tone.
"Stand Beside Me"
may be based on a somewhat derivative riff, but
"Making It Up"
and
"You Know That"
sound like the perfect marriage of early
R.E.M.
and any number of good
alt-country
bands. With tough but engaging riffs and just enough rootsy kick to keep things grounded,
Summershine
is a bright light of an album. ~ John Duffy