Vincent Vincent & The Villains: 'Blue Boy' / 'The Boy Who Killed Time'

One of the most exciting things happening in London right now is the emergence of many interesting little DIY labels, putting out the records they know we should be hearing, but won ‘t get attention from Mr. Fat Cat and his plastic-disc-based empire.
Young & Lost Club Records are the latest addition to this growing list and if this is only their debut release, they are more than welcome to continue.

Vincent Vincent & The Villains have been out and about on the ‘scene’ for a little while now, garnering bits of respect and smiles from most corners of journalism and fandom alike. Quite honestly, having only seen them live once (which, admittedly was in something of a haze) I can go into this review with a clean palate and ready to tackle my marvellously hand-written CD-R promo in best way possible.

‘Blue Boy’ begins with a muted jolt, a striding, yet passive rhythm and then, quite simply, sheer pleasure. I’ve been waiting for ages to use the word ‘pleasure’ in a review and there has yet to be a time where it’s been more accurate. VV&tV’s masterful use of simple harmony and hooks makes for what, by rights, should be this summer’s ‘Take Me Out’ or ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’, but where the likes of the aforementioned relied on large budgets, image or soap-opera-style antics to push their records to the masses, ‘Blue Boy’ knocks the other two dead in two and a half minutes of crooning melody and a stupidly danceable rhythm section. It’s ludicrously optimistic (if, quite implausible) to think that this single would make a commercial impact like previous ‘Summer anthems’ have done, but I can safely guarantee that it will form part of the soundtrack to mine.

Being a double-A sided release, second track ‘The Boy Who Killed Time’ shows a darker, more reflective tone. Like The Coral when they’re attempting more feigned psychedelia, this track feels like second-best to ‘Blue Boy’, but is absolutely not without its charms. Lyrically, this song excels, impressionistically describing a time-waster without resorting to the druggy boredom of many of their ilk. Possibly more rightfully a B-side than sharing the A-side with such pop perfection, it does show a separate side to the band that with a little time could become just as likeable and affecting as their more melodic numbers.

It’s such a wonderful time to be part of burgeoning new music in this country, singles like this arrive and simply reaffirm that thought. To let this record pass you by would be criminal, criminal to your own happiness and if I were a doctor, I’d prescribe this over prozac every day of the week.