There hasn't been a band from Japan, that has perked my ears, up this high, since the first time I heard Loudness, back in the day. Who's this band you ask? Well they're called Vamps. They are a mixed breed. These guys can lay down some heavy grooves, but can switch gears, on a dime, and go 80's alternative on you. Imagine if Cheap Trick, Bullet for My Valentine and say early U2 had a baby, and you might be close. I did say they were a mixed breed, didn't I? To be serious, these guys are a lot fun and keep you guessing from track to track.
Bloodsuckers starts off, with the really cool piano instrumental Reincarnation, before kicking into the U2 flavored, Zero, which is an mid-tempo rocker with lots of melody. It has an atmospheric vibe to it, which reminds me of classic U2. It also has one of those catchy choruses, that will get you hooked instantly. The whole CD is like this. Vamps have a great pop sensibility, by creating melodic songs that hook you in. Don't get me wrong, these guys can pack a punch too, like with the track Evil. It is an up-tempo rocker, full of aggression ala Bullet for My Valentine. A solid new band, that will most definitely make some waves globally.
Bottom Line: If you like you songs full of melody and with an edge, then this is your band. A solid platter of 13 tunes, that might just give your ear a cavity.
Standout Tracks:Zero, The Jolly Roger, Replay and Inside Myself
-Ragman wishes that he could of caught these guys live in Tokyo, this past summer.