VIVA BROTHER
Album review: "Famous First Words"

When Liam Gallagher of Oasis and Beady Eye insulted Viva Brother recently in the U.K. press, it was a sign that the young lads from Slough are doing something right. Perhaps he is threatened by the group's debut, "Famous First Words," where the influences of '90s Brit pop loom, and because the media has called Viva Brother "the return of the great British guitar band."

If you like Oasis, you'll like Viva Brother, formerly known as Brother UK. Elongated vowels are a favored technique of vocalist Lee Newell. He uses them to create powerful hooks, like ba ba ba baaaa on "New Year's Day" and la la laaaaa, on "Time Machine." There's also forcefully strummed acoustic guitars on songs such as "Still Here," and the guitar work throughout has the unmistakable echo of Oasis's Noel Gallagher.

The choruses are built for Glastonbury chant-along with their memorable melodies. The lyrics reflect a swagger befitting a young band whose cocksure attitude has garnered considerable attention across the Atlantic. In fact, they've even coined the term "gritpop" to describe their sound.

Don't look for introspection. This is about the good times had by young men with guitars, as when Newell sings, "I fell asleep on the train / And I woke up with a headache / Why bother practicing the lines to a song that means nothing to no one." Especially the one it's coming from on "High Street Low Lives."

--Benjamin Opipari, July 22, 2011