Vantage Point: Demonic Dinner Dance

Having recently reviewed the pre-album EP, High Maintenance Girlfriend, from Edinburgh's Vantage Point, I have to say that I was immensely looking forward to pulling up a chair for their Demonic Dinner Dance; a release which not only marks the band's third full album, but also their tenth year in existence. Two numbers from the EP are repeated here, its title track and the unforgettably catchy "Reverse The Charges" proving equally irresistible when placed on a longer release. Both are packed with Hammondy goodness and reveal a strong 70s sound akin to Uriah Heep at their early best; guitarists Liam Kane and James Mitchell careening a mix of steely riffs and energetic solos into the keyboard work of guest Matthew Bartlett. Tried and tested the pair of tracks may sound, but the stupendously addictive nature with which they are delivered makes them into huge rollicking burst of fun that stand up remarkably well to repeat listens.

Elsewhere this loosely conceptual album leans on other UK acts and their classic pasts for inspiration, the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and a little UFO evoked across the theatrical, almost muscularly Saracen like "Seating Plan I" (there's also a "Seating Plan II" and "III" - that's a lot of bums on seats!), galloping bass led title track and slightly more technical "Conversation Stopper". Singer (and bassist) Murray Graham utilises a versatile approach throughout and while you'll maybe (well definitely) find better "pure" singers out there, his energy, passion and power marks him out as perfect for this style.

Side two (for VP are keen to suggest DDD would make for an excellent vinyl release - I happily agree!) begins with "Last Word Freak" and while Vantage Point are keen to point out that it's their heaviest track to date, it is also the only real clunker in sight, what with the machine gun snare and shouty vocals morphing into sub standard early Anthrax or Suicidal Tendencies. However with the rest of the album striking a clever balance between cracking musical execution and slightly tongue in cheek theatrical retro-ness, your invite to the Demonic Dinner Dance ensures a night not to be forgotten…

Track Listing
1. The Big Welcome
2. Demonic Dinner Dance
3. Seating Plan I
4. Head Of The Table
5. Lionheart
6. Camp David
7. Conversation Stopper
8. Seating Plan II
9. Forgotten Face
10. Last Word Freak
11. High Maintenance Girlfriend
12. Quagmire
13. Seating Plan III
14. Reverse The Charges
15. This Is Now An Exit
16. Demonic Overture
17. Disclaimer

Added: November 1st 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Vantage Point online
Hits: 1600
Language: english

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