By Stan Cierlitsky
The wait is over! A short three decades later, Vent 414 return with their surprisingly titled second album called Second. Many of you probably don't recognize the name of this band, but you might know some of its famous members. Led by The Wonder Stuff singer Miles Hunt, the group also features Morgan Nicholls (Senseless Things) and Pete Howard (The Clash, EAT). Let me just start by saying this album is great! If you told me they had been making music regularly for the last 30 years and this was their greatest hits I would have believed you.
The first four songs on the album are downright bangers. The guitar that opens "The Same Body of Water" reminds me of The Fields of the Nephilim. Second song "Infrequent" (one of my faves) sounds just like The Wonder Stuff (sans fiddle). The third song "How Far We Fell" is the album's single, and if you just want a quick sense of what Vent 414 is all about, start here. It's just a great song. When fourth song "No Business" starts out you think you're finally catching a breather, but the chorus just soars.
I really want to highlight "When Time Was on Our Side" as it's my favorite song on the record. This one sounds different from the rest in a really good way. It opens slow, with drums, bass, and eerie keyboards. I could have sworn I fat-fingered my phone and switched to my Shriekback playlist. "Didn't feel like talking much / Didn't feel like eating much / Didn't feel like feeling much at all." I love this line! As the song progresses, it starts sounding more like the rest, but it's just a cool little diversion here.
As I said, this album is just full of great songs. Other favorites are "Hanging Out With You" and "Hail the Empaths", the album closer. The latter ends with a cool, heavy spoken word piece.
You all should definitely check out Vent 414's Second. It's already available everywhere. And if you're lucky enough to be across the pond, The Wonder Stuff are celebrating their 40th anniversary touring with Inspiral Carpets opening up.
[Photo: Uncredited, Miles Hunt on The Wonder Stuff Official Facebook Page]