Record Review: Vivian Girls [Share The Joy, Polyvinyl Records]

By Jennifer Graciano

With a faintly different sound, new drummer, and string of side projects; Brooklyn trio Vivian Girls present their latest album “Share The Joy” in a slightly different light than what we’re used to. Trading in their signature hasty garage sounds for a stricter approach with crystal clear 60s girl group influences, “Share The Joy” proves to be a fun listen and a typical release from Vivian Girls as they shine at times, and prove flat at others.

The first twenty seconds of album opener “The Other Girls” are misleading and might fool the most devoted Vivian Girls fans into believing the girls have delivered yet another noise driven track worthy of some serious head bobs, or that this is a model for the remainder of the album. That’s not the case for either as “The Other Girls” evolves into a down tempo song interlaced with jam sessions that last for ages. Cassie Ramone’s vocals meander about in a pensive haze unlike what we’re used to from Vivian Girls’ usual garage uproar.

Vivian Girls [I Heard You Say, Polyvinyl]

"I Heard You Say" is the newest garage gem from Vivian Girls. The song debuted yesterday on Polyvinyl and will feature on the band's third studio album Share The Joy. Its a pleasure to hear the band back together again after a never ending stream of side projects (all very enjoyable) and the new record will feature Fiona Campbell (from Coasting) for the first time on drums. The album is set to release on April 14th and can be pre-ordred here.  Vivian Girls will be touring along Black Lips this Spring.

I Heard You Say

La Sera [Never Come Around, Hardly Art]

Vivian Girls frontwoman Katy Goodman has been hard at work on yet another solo project called La Sera. A few months ago she released a 7'' record on Art Fag for All Saints Day and was quick to follow that up with a very different sounding project which will have its first 7'' released on Hardly Art November 16th. As far as Vivian Girls go, the band have been recording several tracks off an upcoming and third LP titled Share The Joy which will be released in 2011 on Polyvinyl. For a quick update check here for all the latest on Vivian Girls.

Never Come Around

La Sera will be performing with Wax Idols and No Joy in San Francisco on November 3rd at Hemlock Tavern

mp3 [via]