REVIEW: Papa Vegas, Hello Vertigo (RCA / Sid Flips)
- Franklin Johnson
The debut album from Papa Vegas, Hello Vertigo, combines all the necessary ingredients - melodic rhythms, catchy riffs, and a modern-rock sensibility - to become a fixture on the music scene.
Equal parts Verve Pipe and Live, the four piece unit - vocalist Joel Ferguson, guitarists Pete Dunning, bassist Mick Force and drummer Scott Stefanski - bring a sound all their own to a dying rock scene.
"I try to bring in some of the keyboard sensibilities - Depeche Mode and some of that," says Ferguson. "Pete brings in the heavy, rock-oriented guitar thing, drawn from influences such as Led Zeppelin, Beck and Queen. It's a good mix that sounds like nothing except us."
The first single "Bombshell" is powerful and captivating, while other potential hits including "Something Wrong" and "Long Days" capture the unique sound which is Papa Vegas. Veteran producer Don Gilmore (Eve 6 and X) and Tom Lord-Alge (Hole and Marilyn Manson) also have recognized this special band by contributing their talents behind the music. Definitely worth a closer look.
