Kurt Vile: Childish Prodigy
Label: Matador
Kurt Vile may not be a star yet, but we expect that to change soon. In our little corner of the world, this Philly-based rocker took us by storm. On his third release and first for Matador, Vile stomps, snorts and sneers with great relish and style, delivering a pure rock gem that sounds retro and fresh all at once. Some tracks recall 70s-era Rolling Stones, while others the psych buzz of Spacemen 3. The FM-rock sound is offset by the album’s shambolic aesthetic and expansive song structures; Vile’s songs smolder at times with a steady Krautrock-ish intensity without delivering any anthemic release, just letting them cruise along in scruffy magnificence. Pure fun from start to finish, and we’re looking forward to hearing him top it. (James)
