Recently reunited after a lifetime (almost 30 years) of inactivity, New Wave Of British Heavy Metal pioneers Vardis establish their return with this “200 M.P.H.” EP. The title, of course, is a dig at the band’s debut recording: “100M.P.H.” of 1980.
This new EP is certainly attuned to the sound for which Vardis had been known back in the days: boogie Rock N’ Roll made famous by fellow Brits Status Quo. With such a stripped-down sound, songwriting quality and hooks become pivotal in latching the listener onto the music. Thankfully “200 M.P.H.” has no shortage of either.
In Vardis’ reincarnation, band founder Steve Zodiac’s singing might not reach those high notes as he did years ago but he still sounds genuinely passionate. His sprawling Bluesy guitar solos are as lively as ever.
‘Jolly Roger’ and ‘Dirty Money’ are 2 brand new compositions, which I liked. The song I keep putting on repeat, however, is ‘The Knowledge’ – it starts with a thumping bass line before its catchy lyrics kick in, themselves leading to a series of memorable riffs.
‘Move Along’ first appeared in the band’s debut album, which was live. So this is the first time we hear a studio version of the song. It’s got some great instrumental passages with Steve’s guitar that just rips, tears and shreds. ‘The World’s Insane’ is also taken from the band’s early catalogue. This version was recorded live after the band’s reunion and is dedicated to B. B. King who had passed away mere days before that gig.
Sound-wise “200 M.P.H.” sounds like it was recorded in the early 1980s. And thank heavens for that! Innovation and sophistication is not really what this is all about.
In a recent interview I did with Vardis, bassist Terry Horbury joked that in the early 1980s they were too young to be driving at 100 m.p.h.. So now, with “200 M.P.H.”, are they driving too fast? What’s certain is that Vardis seem to follow their own rules and this new EP is as Vardis as they’ll ever be.
Get “200M.P.H.” from Amazon, Spotify, Google Play or Hoplite Records. Or leave Vardis a message on their FaceBook page.
(Note: this review was written back in July 2015 but for reasons beyond the reviewer’s control was put on the back-burner until now.)
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