On their MySpace page, Invisible Vegas cite a set of influences (including Oasis, Stone Roses, AC/DC and Stereophonics) that suggests an unnecessary combination of well-worn music that might normally present itself as a weak, listless neo-covers outfit. They might be doing themselves a disservice here, as whilst they may not be a lightning bolt of originality or dynamism, they’re solid and workmanlike – those words here meant in a positive sense – bluesy indie rock.
The three tracks that comprise this demo are pretty well produced, mid-tempo fuzzed-up guitar songs with a classic, if straightforward arrangement. They might be slightly longer than they need to be, as a certain feeling of inertia sets in around three-quarters of the way in, but they’re as strongly built as anything.
Interesting influences, or at least musical reference points, make themselves known across the three tracks. ‘Skin And Bones’ suggests the sheeny grunge of the movie Reality Bites; ‘One Life Stand’ the Rolling Stones of the mid-1970s, and even a slice of Guns N’ Roses; ‘Run’ the guitar-led melodic positivity of the Allman Brothers Band. Together, the songs reveal a certain formulaic quality to Invisible Vegas, something of a ‘haven’t we been here before?’ feeling. Unfortunately, clichés don’t help, either, and there are some suspiciously-Americanised vocals (I’m presuming that lead vocalist Alex Colman isn’t an American) and unoriginal lyrics (“Kiss me girl, in the evening rain”…?)
In all, though, this is good listening. Invisible Vegas solidly remind us that not all music has to be a shining or challenging example of what’s never been done before. The danger of this is that they might not be able to at least make what they’re doing sound good, but on the basis of these tracks they’re not in such trouble. Decent music, from a decent band.