Mono In VCF – The Voltage Control EP
Label: Self-Released
Style: Alternative Rock, Brit-Rock
Released: 2005
My Grade: 3.5 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Coldplay, Fine China, JJ-72


I hate pretentious people. I also don’t like being told what to like. The press release for Mono In VCF dripped with self-importance and hype, the over-the-top writing practically declared these five boys the next Radiohead. Strike one and two.

I liked the cover though - very basic, very clean and it still stands out, so maybe they are not all bad. The first song (“Modern Nocturne”) is a pleasant walk through the current trend of mixing seventies dope-rock with modern British guitar pop (not to mention the dash of new wave influences), it was nice but not great. Song number two “In Los Angeles” is by far the worst song on the album, it begins with some simple melody and would probably even be a fun track to listen to but the repeated chorus line (over and over and over again) was the instant and painful killer. “Ultra Love” has ‘extreme-new-wave-makeover’ written all over it, it actually works to repeat the vocals over and over and it would blend in perfectly with other revivalist, it was ‘ultra’-enjoyable. What better way to end an EP then by trying to sound like the Velvet Underground updated for the Verve generation, and what better a name then “Warhol” – seriously, this is a fun song, but it borderlines on funny.

I have a feeling that these guys are very enjoyable live; in fact I am sure they have a loyal following who will crucify me for giving these guys an average rating; I will need to give these guys more time to grow and expand as a group and perhaps their next release will win me over.

Until then – please drop the art-rock pretentious prick attitude shown on the press release.


Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron

Official Website: monoinvcf.com