Released on 08/04/2002
Label: Heavenly

As Oasis stagger back onto the scene, burping and farting their bloated way towards the rock and roll throne, it's heartening to see a gaggle of rowdy upstarts waiting to stick it to 'em.

The Vines are the latest whirlwind of jagged fret action and splenetic lyrical viscera to explode before our eyes, in what appears to be a production line of bands raised on liquid rawk and attired with a name beginning with The.

The Australian four-piece set a terrific pace on 'Highly Evolved', 90 seconds of violent Nirvana axe exultation, doing more for rock in a minute-and-a-half then Oasis have in five years.

To adopt a phrase from the mouths of faded glory, you should be here now.

    by Ben Gilbert