The Monster EP by The Outer Vibe

Friday, 5 March 2010 , 0 Comments

The Outer Vibe is a pop-infused rock n' roll group from Grand Rapids, Michigan who are self-proclaimed 'revivalists' of the high-energy power and free spirit of the classic rock greats such as Led Zeppelin and Queen. The group is known to be quite a touring act, with a hefty schedule of 60-80 shows per year, but is no stranger to the studio, as in 2009 The Outer Vibe released their third studio album entitled 'The Monster EP'.

While I applaud The Outer Vibe for taking on such a mission, reviving the high-energy power and spirit of classic rock, I think it is actually the pop aspects, and not that of rock n' roll that makes this group so great (though the rockin' out doesn't hurt). The songs are excellent- very well written, organically performed, upbeat and powerful, yet not afraid to really go for the power pop hook. And boy does it pay off, as this four track powerhouse EP is non-stop energy from start to finish. Each song maintains an entirely original feel, never repeating similar melodic styles or rhythmic motifs, yet the sound and vision of the group is consistent and clear.

There is a lot about this band that rocks- the guitar riffs, the powerful solos, the heavy handed yet intricate drums, and without question the badass, yet borderline cheesy lyrics- 'we've got weapons to blow the earth into galactic dust/ fire them only if we're forced to/ in god we trust'. But there is no doubting the very heavy pop influences that run rampant on 'The Monster EP'. The style of vocalist Sean Zuidgeest is more that pop than rock, using accents of vibrato and his exceptional vocal range and presence to really hit, and more importantly hold the big notes, the ones that matter for the harmonies during the hook. This really gives the chorus that little extra something that takes it from catchy to impossible to get out of your head. The music itself also has elements of pop in the heavy keyboard/ bass syncopation style of the verse in Monster and the overall electronic style of Dance Around. And the inclusion of the keyboards and trumpet, which by the way, both come from multi-instrumentalist Lisa Kacos (who also adds quite a bit to the vocal harmonies as well), do a hell of a lot to spice up the sound from being 'just another rock group' to becoming The Outer Vibe.

For a four track album, the originality and versatility of The Outer Vibe is really, quite obvious and is showcased wonderfully. There is never really a moment of pure rock or pop, rather a well developed hybrid of the two. Ultimately, it really does feel as though this band is going for a revivalist direction, using styles that are similar to other groups, but is very clearly adding their own spin on the music we have all grown up listening to.