Vincent Vincent And The Villains - 'Gospel Bombs' (EMI) Released 10/03/08

The marvellously named Vincent Vincent and the Villains, do not fail to deliver the eclectic wonder their name promises on debut long player ‘Gospel Bombs’. Following on from first singles ‘Blue Boy’ and February’s offering ‘Pretty Girl’ comes a rockabilly Buddy Holly homage, which is sure to get the East London quartet recognised far beyond their name.

Simple, old fashioned rock n roll is something that has been lost in music lately, but opening track ‘Beast’ brings it back with avengence. A little latino bull fighting action, means you may think you've pressed play on the Kill Bill soundtrack by mistake, or a whip cracker of spaghetti western, but somehow it just works for them.

This musical renaissance is what the Villains do best. Not so much hinting at, but full blown reliving the 50s sound is hard to pull off without appearing over the top kitsch, but that balance is successfully executed. The happy-go-lucky vibe flows throughout the album and second track ‘Blue Boy,’ is a pure doo-wap delight. A song that is delightfully named ‘Sins of love Wah Do’ was always going to be a charmer, backed by barbershop quartet harmonies, Bonnie and Clyde references and ringmaster style lead vocals.

Vincent Vincent (something tells me that is not his real surname) mixes his range up on album highlight ‘Telephone’, with distorted vocals and classic rock growls, proving this band can delve into just about any genre and get away with it.

The only minor blip on an otherwise outstanding album is low key ‘Cinema’ for its filler type attitude, but not even this downer can ruin their collection of funtime rock n roll. A debut to be proud of. Very proud indeed.