Vanilla Franco – Traction
“Traction” by Vanilla Franco is a sonic rollercoaster that takes the listener on a thrilling ride through the realms of guitar-driven rock, heavily influenced by punk roots with a nod to bands like The Idles. This supergroup has crafted an album that’s not just a collection of songs but a cohesive musical journey, seamlessly blending various rock subgenres with a distinctive and contagious energy. The opening track of the album, “Building Pressure”, sets the tone with an explosion of power. The staccato guitar riffs, coupled with thunderous drums, create a formidable force that grabs the listener’s attention immediately. The sheer intensity prompts one to wonder if the drummer is a secret metalhead, infusing a relentless energy that permeates the entire album. “Picnic” follows, slowing the tempo but maintaining a robust rock inspiration. Drawing from the British rock scene, this track showcases Vanilla Franco’s ability to channel diverse influences into their sound. The transition from the first track to “Picnic” demonstrates the band’s versatility, proving they are not confined to a single sonic palette. “Good Time” introduces a playful guitar sound that builds into a catchy chorus. The influence of No Wave, reminiscent of The Fall, adds a layer of complexity, and the track concludes with a loud crescendo, leaving a lasting impact. “Invisible Boys” takes a departure, incorporating Space Rock influences in the synths and embracing a Post-Punk architectural approach. This sonic diversity showcases the band’s willingness to experiment within the rock genre, keeping the listener engaged and surprised. “The Arena” pays homage to garage rock traditions, drawing parallels to the raw energy of The Stooges. It’s a gritty, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll experience that harks back to the roots of the genre. “Monkey on a Mission” injects psychedelic elements into the mix, featuring a cool guitar solo and intriguing fuzz effects. The track seamlessly transforms into a psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll journey with garage influences, demonstrating the band’s ability to traverse different musical landscapes effortlessly. “James Bond” maintains the psychedelic mood with an almost trance-inducing guitar section, creating a cinematic atmosphere. The track’s dynamic shifts, particularly the slowdown around the 01:23 mark, add depth and intrigue, elevating it beyond a typical rock composition. “Planes Trains” embraces a mid-tempo psychedelic garage vibe with authentic lo-fi production. The track’s unique sonic character makes it stand out, contributing to the album’s overall authenticity. The final track, “Learn Something,” is an almost instrumental amalgamation of Post-Punk, garage, and surf rock. It serves as a psychedelic puzzle of rock ‘n’ roll sounds, concluding the album on a high note. In essence, “Traction” by Vanilla Franco is a cool, catchy, and psychedelic journey that embodies a danceable rock attitude. The album’s seamless transitions between various rock subgenres showcase the band’s musical prowess and make it a compelling listen for fans of raw, unfiltered rock music.
