EP Review: Blue Vulture – Amateur Tape Recording

The ‘Amateur Tape Recording’ EP by Blue Vulture is certainly that, and opens with ‘Jo 90’, with agitated electric guitar rising up then falling again, it builds anticipation for the vocals and drums to enter, kicking everything off with enthusiasm and release. The amateur recording of the album gives it a rumbling energy right from the beginning and just races straight through the first track which only lasts 1:13, and it’s over before you’ve even really noticed it was there. It’s grungy and bluesy though, and sets off a cheeky moodiness for the rest of the EP. I like the unpolished nature of the track and how it throws you into the rest of the album.

‘Sonic’ is dirtier, and more gutsy with thicker guitars and vocals which have a warm tone as well as being gritty and having an edge of classic raspy rock vocals. The chorus is really catchy and simple, and the vocals are really attention grabbing in their laidback angst. ‘The Last Time (I Saw You Alive)’ has more of a tone of heartbreak with vocals that feel like their teetering on the edge of breaking with emotion. The guitars and drums are still fairly heavy, and have an upbeat feel, but the intensity of the vocals are the most apparent sound on the track. I like the outro too, with he dropping out of the drums and final few bars of raspy guitar which sets you up well for the final track of the album.

‘Looking After Cats and Flowers’ starts with a gently played, optimistic-sounding sequence on the bass guitar which really sets a nice contrast to the previous track. It’s an upbeat number, with breezy guitar sequences and a chorus which perfectly balances the verse with expansive minimal vocal melodies and some killer chords. It’s a lighthearted, head-bopping, feet-moving album, which the amateur recording almost gives the impression of a live performance, even in it’s imperfections, which is kind of special I think. I really enjoy listening to the album, and head-banging to the fuzzy drums, luid guitars and expressive rock vocals. It’s a feel good EP, and it’s surprising how much it can brighten your day.

Review by Cassia Helme