Signs of a Vacant Soul

 

 

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Had it garnered more recognition upon its release, "Signs of a Vacant Soul" would have probably melted into the grooves of all the other modern rock that was coming out in 1999, and Virgos Merlot would have been seen as just another generic alternative goth-rock band. And knowing how record execs are, they would have been pressured to produce more of the same formula, and Virgos Merlot would have lost their originality. So maybe it's for the best that "Signs of a Vacant Soul" didn't immediately gain the success it had the potential to reach (though 'Gain' was moderately successful on the Mainstream Rock chart). Listeners can now analyze the album by itself, without any other "standards" set by critics to compare it to.
A textbook-perfect recording for 1999, "Signs of a Vacant Soul" is an album rich in melody and accessibility, and boasts a careful detailed production ethic for a band in their debut...or for any band for that matter (the vocal spots are particularly well engineered). What's most remarkable though is despite the fact that the instrumentation is narrowed down to a vocal-guitars-bass-drums formula, there is an amazing amount of flexibility in the music. The material of course benefits from this, opening with 'The Cycle' and demonstrating irresistible but layered textures on songs like 'Winning' and 'Trouble,' which has a chorus of simple catchy lyrics which sound like those of 70s classic rock, while there are more complex elements elsewhere; there is a (perhaps intentional) themed interplay between 'More' and 'Knowing Burns,' neither of which seem complete without the other. The musical body and form of 'Beautiful Lie' hints at a prog-rock influence, but the album's two best tracks are also its most beautiful and inspiring; 'Gain' and 'Kiss My Disease' contradict Virgos Merlot's spooky-looking image as seen in CD's foldout. 'Disregarding' meanwhile spots an amazing, driven guitar sound that closes the album.
The music of the five-man Virgos Merlot can best be described as a battery of heavy rhythms and crunching guitars, out of which emerge beauty, bravery, and a driving force. "Signs of a Vacant Soul" is a top candidate for an album that could become a true "lost" album in ten to twenty years.

Bryan, I think i was at the Jan 20 show too, in Philly?

Anyway, this band has alot of talent and it is a crying shame that they broke up. Brett's voice is definately something you do not hear on the radio today, and I mean that in a good respect. The creativity of this band deserves far more recognition than they got while together. The opening in "Beautiful Lie" gives me the chills while listening to. Very entertaining live as well.

This is album is definitely worth for who likes of a kinda "alternative metal", but sadly the band broke up, and I dont know if they will be together in the future, the members are separated playing in other bands, so its kinda sad, but this album is very good, every song in this album have quality and very good melodies, "kiss my disease" its a beautiful song, dont waste your time, buy now this!

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5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesome album and an Awesome Band
This album is amazing. Before these guys, i only listened to creed and nirvana (what a combination). These guys opened my mind up to new music, and now i own like 200 CD's. Read more

Published on Jan 24 2004 by bryan

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome CD that hasn't been pushed around enough
I was introduced to the band shortly after I found out their lead singer (Brett Hestla, who, by the way, has the most awesome voice I've ever listened too. Read more

Published on Jun 22 2003 by kerrbear110

5.0 out of 5 stars Kiss My Disease
This is an awesome album that never got its due. People should have given it a chance. The band had style too...you should check out their matching contact lenses. Read more

Published on Mar 14 2003 by Duck

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars is not enough!
This is one of the best bands to come out of the 90's. The cd DOES NOT have one bad song on it. I'm a musician myself, and I'm rather hard to impress. Read more

Published on Oct 15 2002 by Michael Vaughn

5.0 out of 5 stars my new favorite cd
I think this cd is weel worth the money. Virgos Merlot is a great rock band. The layered guitar lines really take you in. Read more

Published on Aug 3 2002 by jack

5.0 out of 5 stars sweet band
i seen them live feb. 4 with CREED and tantric in michigan
after heared them i bought their cd. I have to say there a sweet band.

Published on Jun 24 2002 by eml

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great cd!
My cousin told me about this new band from Alabama called Virgos Merlot. I listened to the cd, and now they are one of my favorite bands. Read more

Published on April 12 2001 by A Virgos Fan

5.0 out of 5 stars A 1999 must-buy CD!
Brett's voice is strong, clear and very powerful. The music and lyrics of Virgos will move you in a positive and thought-provoking direction. Read more

Published on Dec 14 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a great album
My wife and I heard a few of the songs from this album on a WWF video and knew we had to find this CD. We weren't disappointed. There isn't a bad song on here. Read more

Published on July 31 2000 by Caleb Leland

4.0 out of 5 stars What a sound/look!
You have to love the look of the "Lost Boys" scheme. These vampires create some damn good music. Read more

Published on July 28 2000

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