Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 3, 2007 22:26:07 GMT -5
THE VICTORY IN HEAVEN BAND – V.I.H. V (Full Force Music) No one can accuse The Victory In Heaven Band of resting on their laurels. The group has issued five albums in their seven years of existence. And their latest, simply entitled V.I.H. V, proves that this group is not resting musically, either. This album takes a decisively funkier departure from past Victory In Heaven efforts, proudly brandishing 60's and 70's funk and soul influences. But while those influences are obvious over the album's eleven tracks, the group doesn't sacrifice much, if any, of their gritty gospel/blues-rock swagger; instead deftly combining all these styles into a sharp, driving sound. This style shift reflects the evolution of V.I.H. into its current edition, with drummer Larry Baudoin and bassist Kate Koch generating the tight and spirited rhythmic foundation for lead singer/steel guitarist Sterling Koch and keyboardist Larry Adam to interact and shine. The group gets heated up with a rip-roaring read of Robert Randolph’s instrumental “Ted’s Jam” to open the album, with Sterling’s steel guitar fireworks front and center. V.I.H.’s jubilant funk fest then officially lifts off with the rousing “On Time;” showcasing tight execution, three-part harmony vocals and the colorful nip-and-tuck between Sterling’s stinging steel work and Larry Adam’s horn section-like keyboard fills. Other funk-flavored workouts ensue, including the feisty update of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Can’t No Grave” with its Sly & the Family Stone references, the strong and sturdy “Don’t Fool Yourself,” the Funkadelic-tinged rendition of Willie Johnson’s “Trouble Will Soon Be Over” and an uplifting adaptation of Sam & Dave’s “Hold On…,” ending in a ‘purple haze’ of glory. V.I.H. generates a snappy disco/funk groove on “I’m Gonna Stand;” and shows their solid blues footing is still intact on renditions of Tom Waits’ “Jesus Gonna Be Here,” Robert Randolph’s “Pressing My Way,” “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and the album-ending treatment of “Amazing Grace.” Recorded between several studios and mixed and engineered by Bret Alexander at Saturation Acres in Danville, V.I.H. V sounds full, balanced and complete, with all the components of the Victory In Heaven Band’s sound fitting tightly together. Sterling Koch’s gritty vocals and constant steel guitar presence, plus his bandmates’ shining and inspired performances, help tie this album nicely together into a cohesive, smooth-sounding whole. The church of rock and soul is clearly in session on V.I.H. V, a vibrant album sure to get spirits raised and toes tapping. (The CD can be obtained through the Victory In Heaven Band’s website, www.vihband.com.)