Different Storm - VIDA

By Daffs aka @TwoDaff

To mark the eagerly anticipated comeback of Scottish Indie rockers Vida and the release of their long-awaited new single ‘Different Storm’, I thought I would start by introducing the band and give you all a bit of history for those of you that don’t know.

THAT WAS THEN…

Vida got together back in January 2013, from Alloa, Clackmannanshire. Originally a 5-piece consisting of Schoolfriends Jamie Pollack (Lead Vocals, Guitar) and Nathan Evans (Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals) along with Craig Scobbie (Bass), Jamie Piggot (Drums) and Greg Ballantyne (Keyboards). Their aim was to create tunes that would rival their favourite bands from the 90’s Britpop era. Bands such as the legendary Oasis, The Verve, Cast and The stone Roses feature in their list of influences, instilled in their music creating a swagger of nostalgia and a shout out to that moment in time, however, the sound created was their own, resurgent, vibrant and anthemic.

Since the release of ‘Fade Away’ and the raucous, anthemic, B-side ‘Switch it Off’ Vida hit the ground running building a fan base and sparking interest the length and breadth of the country and catapulting them to one of the Uk’s rising stars. More hits soon followed with the release of the critically acclaimed EP ‘Masquerade’ – a melodic masterpiece. The lead single ‘When I call’ received its debut on Soccer AM and led to Ocean Colour Scene legend Steve Craddock offering to record fans favourite ‘Where We Came from’ with the much-loved B-side ‘What’s Going Around’. This was followed by more tracks including 'Let you Believe' 'When the Sun' and 'A Place Where We Can Forget'.

After receiving over 200,000 plays and over 6000 monthly listeners from London to Sydney Vida gained the reputation for producing quality music.

2017 saw the band supporting The Sherlocks on the Scottish dates of their UK debut tour (I was lucky to catch them in Inverness…and what a gig). They were then offered their own UK tour by This Feeling and saw them perform at packed out gigs in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, they also drew crowds at the isle of Wight, Reading and Leeds Festivals.

In 2019 the band parted ways with the singer and guitarist (Jamie Pollock) and the bassist (Craig Scobbie) during the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

THIS IS NOW…

In 2022 the phoenix woke up, dusted off the ashes and began to soar again, they graced the stage for a local secret show with a new line up. Retaining three original members Nathan Evans, Jamie Piggott and Greg Ballantyne, and the new faces of Colin Davidson (Lead vocals/Guitar) Jacob Franklyn (Guitar/vocals) and Evan Cameron (bass guitar) to complete the line up once again.

They have a comeback gig on April 9th at The Depot in Falkirk, which is sure to be massive, they are now set to release their latest offering as a 6-piece on March 10th and there are even rumours of an album later this year. Fans of the band are sure to be buzzing…I certainly am.

And so, to the new single ‘Different Storm’. I was very lucky and delighted to be offered a preview listening for this review…thanks lads. The track itself was recorded and produced by the band themselves which should be applauded in its own right and is the first of many works they hope to publish.

Undeniable Vida sound

Opening with a beautiful melodic chiming guitar, rolling drum beat and atmospheric keys, it has an air of anticipation as you wait for the vocal to kick in, and when it does you know its Vida, yet its different but that’s not detracting from the original line up, it has all the hallmarks of that undeniable Vida sound yet there is an air of maturity, it has the Vida vibe with an added complexity and vibrancy.

A resonance that is addictive

Its lush, deep and has a resonance that is addictive. The vocal is powerful, strong and with added backing vocals in the chorus it really hits home, it’s on the money. It has an added punch, a tone that rises above the powerful instrumental. A great sound. It’s an anthem that keeps you hitting the repeat button.

Swagger and attitude

It has a multitude of melodies, Nates lead solos intertwined with a deep velvety bass line shimmer and shine, tease and scintillate throughout. It is multi layered, in keeping with the Vida soundscape and ethos, it has all the swagger and attitude of the Britpop era yet its modern, it’s on a different level to what has gone before.

A deep velvety bass line

They have taken their original sound, added to it, honed it and taken it to a higher plane. For a comeback release this is up there. It builds to a mid-section, harmonies twist and turn around a thumping bass and then we are off again, a swirling solo, soars like the aforementioned phoenix and takes the track to its finale, leaving you wanting more. Its Vida at their best. Fans and newcomers alike will love this.

Harmonies twist and turn

All in all, Vida have returned, picking up where they left off, adding to their sound, more depth, more swagger yet it’s still Vida. They have redefined the Britpop vibe and made it their own sound. Great production and quality, the addition of new members really has made a difference for the better (don’t get me wrong there was nothing wrong before in any way shape or form). It’s an accomplished track, packed with the melodic ethos, skilled musicianship that Vida have always possessed.

A different animal!

I can’t praise this track enough, Vida are back with a bang, a different storm…a different line up…a different level…a different animal!

You can find out more here inc. Pre-saves and comeback gig tickets

https://linktr.ee/thevidaboys