I have the pleasure of welcoming Vegetables At Last back to Divide & Conquer for their latest album Mini Album. The group categorizes itself as a collective, and their current roster is scattered across the globe. Based on logistics alone, it is impressive that this album came together. The album may be mini in name, but it's actually quite mighty with ten whole tracks jam packed with emotional exploration.
This album gets pretty dark in terms of subject matter. It's bitter, frustrated, self-loathing, essentially my typical Wednesday. There is an interesting dynamic between the music and the lyrics. The lyrics are prickly and covered with salt to boot. Very blunt, sometimes cheeky, sometimes downright brutal. On terms of thematic narratives, I really appreciate how ugly they are willing to get. They're not afraid to show off their pettiness or envy. I love that they have no shame and are secure enough to put these things on display. ALL of the vocal talent on this album is fantastic. Diverse talents on here all pulling on the threads that stitch this album together in delivering the razor sharp lyrics. Considering the very cohesive nature of the album from a musical sense, it's good to get a vocal shake up. There are certain moments with certain performances where the vocals felt a little contrived. It's not that the vocalist couldn't hit the note, just that his delivery and inflection was a bit much at times. Musically, the album is based around a modern set of indie rock guitar skills. The music is dreamy, surfy, ironic. It almost has the characteristics of a feel good album and I love the dichotomy. There were a few tracks the bled a little too easily into one another making certain songs fade into the background. That would be my only complaint. However I can respect their laser focus on this particular mood that they explored so deeply and thoroughly. The production process was a homespun operation within the group. Just being able to get everyone in a room in Nice, France is probably the biggest production hurdle there was. The album sounds good. There were a few vocal treatment choices I was not fond of, but beyond that, I was fine. For an album, there is a lot of stage presence here. There is the essence of a live show which I always find to be an asset for any album as it works as motivation for people to buy tickets. If I had the money to make a trip across the pond, I would certainly be tempted. So many of their influences are bands I adore and I can say with certainty that the group has exquisite taste. So yes, they have nailed me on both emotional and taste sensibilities. Obviously that means Mini Album is a winner for me, and I have a feeling I am not alone. I want to congratulate Vegetables At Least on this album and should they come back to Divide & Conquer for another round, I would be delighted.
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