The Vision of a Dying World - and The Grammar Lamb by Eric Nielsen 08.4.07
This new record from The Vision makes me want to ask if I can join the band (I'd love to add some freaky synth sounds to the open spaces). It's mature and hits me in the heart more than their previous record. The Vision recorded this record without their multi instrumentalist and I think it's a much fuller. It's rougher and full of feeling. The singing sits in the forefront with a steady dose of energy that's closer to the chaos and anarchy of alchemy.

It's also a throwback album of harmonies and rich western reverbing guitars that is a perfect companion for the Summer in California ("and so you moved to California, to get your feet back on the ground"). The California sound emanates in a welcome rush. There is a certainty to the progression of the songs, a confidence born in the voices that reaches down through the compositions of the songs and makes you smile.

This is not one of those downer albums, but a steady morning record of numbers that make you smile. The songs bounce around in their structure and sounds are manipulated in a honey filled way that rides up and down the tracks. It's got a bit of that modern indy alt california country, as well some Cracker, Pavement, Blackheart Procession, and The Byrds. Sometimes it sounds a little bit like the Doors, like the keyboards and vocal styling's of One Day You're All Going To Die Laughing. That track title kind of sums up most of the vibe of the record.

This album won't fuck your mind, instead it will soundtrack your drives to the beach and your walks along the water. The straight forward songs benefit from the lack of overloading the tracks with multiple sounds or instruments. The dynamics, singing and rawness of the guitar sounds are what now push forward the band. Isn't that the way rock is supposed to be? Fronted by the voices and guitars?

These guys are just back from a Southwestern tour and you should see them if you get a chance. You may know one of the members of the band, Jackson, from his work with Action Jackson Promotions. He throws a handful of shows every month at the Tower Bar, The Che Cafe and Scolari's. He's a real asset to the community of players and listeners.

There's an absurd story in a recent SD Reader about someone else who is using his moniker to promote shows. Fuck that. We know who the Action Jackson is in this town!

The Vision of a Dying World Myspace