Hunt the Monster Down by Vapid
Date Released 1/31/2012 Sales 11 Listens 21
"Hunt the Monster Down" is the debut album from Seattle, WA based Goth Rockers, Vapid. From the first deep, thumping bass notes of the eponymous opening track, Vapid quickly sink their hooks into their listeners. Once you've heard the first few moments of the nearly symphonic "The Golden Face of God", you quickly realize that this isn't just music you hear; it's music you feel.
Oen McIllwain's guitar work on "Pitchers of Fire" is as frenzied and fluid as the heat waves rising from the flames themselves. Drummer Zana Matthews and keyboardist Jeremy Skyhorse work together magnificently to ever-so-slightly raise and lower the tempo at key points in "The Temperature of the Room", though Skyhorse's talents truly shine on the enchanting "Woolgathering". Bassist Io Lawless, along with drummer Matthews, set a pounding and explosive backbeat for "Mind Field", while guitarist McIllwain demonstrates his range on the melodic album closer, "Dilute the Sky".
And, of course, no band is complete without a vocalist, and Nathaniel Bookbinder does not disappoint. From his songwriting to his singing, it's obvious that the band would not be the same without his presence. His lyrics are deep and heartfelt; so close to home their almost eerily accurate. His voice is like bittersweet chocolate; deep and slightly rough, but sweet and soft at the right times. There is no song on Vapid's debut that Bookbinder's talents don't shine across.
"Hunt the Monster Down" is a juggernaut of a debut from Vapid. It's heavy, both musically and emotionally, but it doesn't ever leave you feeling bogged down. You feel the music, you feel the lyrics. It is the soundtrack to your life, you just don't know it yet. If Vapid can continue this vibe on through their second album and overcome the dreaded Sophomore Slump, then I have a feeling they will be around for a long time.
Tracks
- 1. Hunt the Monster Down
- 2. Pitchers of Fire
- 3. The Golden Face of God
- 4. The Fly and the Ointment
- 5. The Temperature of the Room
- 6. Cutting Your Teeth
- 7. Woolgathering
- 8. Mind Field
- 9. Thousand Yard Stare
- 10. Dilute the Sky
Reviews
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"Congratulations on having your album named a finalist in this year's cover contest; it is quite a striking cover.
Well done!"
"Juggernaut has been used to describe this debut and I can't think of any better word. Vapid have arrived and I'm struggling to stay upright from the power of their rotor wash. Here is one reviewer who believes sophomore slump is not in Vapid's vocabulary.
- Adendum: these are some of the best song titles, cover art & album description to grace these pages in quite a long time. "
"I think frizbee has a hit band on his hands. This is the type of debut album that can quickly rocket a band to stardom & Vapid seem prepared for the ride. Frizbee's attention to detail & incredibly well written album description give the group and the music substance, while the album cover design, overall marketing & vibe of the band fill out the picture. This is a fake band that doesn't feel contrived, it feels authentic. I feel like they could walk off the page & play any club right now!"
Eric
"Wow... I am beyond words. This album is incredible, and anything but vapid. As soon as I have the chance I'm gonna nab a ticket, see them live, and buy a ton of merch. I can only express the gigantic scope and triumph of this album with an emoticon:
:D
"
"Oh, and kudos for the great cover too!"
TMTYTF"Fucking Epic! I loved "The Fly and the Ointment" and "Hunt the Monster Down". I really did feel the music, the lyrics, and I even felt a connection with Nathaniel Bookbinder's voice. Vapid, consider me a new fan. I hope you guys are around for a long time to come."
TMTYTF
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