Vial - Chaosity

Vial 

Chaosity
self-released; 2016

​3.5 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Dominic Nardini (bass), Andy Svejda (drums), John Zeman (lead guitar) and Aramis Estevez (vocals/guitar) are Vial. The Brooklyn four-piece recently released Chaosity, which is a five-song rock EP. 

Chaosity is the sound of a band playing live, in one take without any overdubs. Some people think there is some magic in this method but I prefer to call it mic bleed. If you’re playing a room the drum mics are picking up the guitar, the mics on the amp are mostly likely picking up the snare and kick, etc. At the end of the day I think it usually benefits a rock recording because it glues together the instruments and sounds like the band is actually playing in a room together. Suffice it to say I’m sure Chaosity is the sound of this band if you see them in concert. My only complaint is that some of the songs are quite lower in volume than others - something that can be taken care of in the mastering process. For example the first song is a good four dbs louder than the last song on the album.

Musically, Chaosity is a very broad sounding rock album. You can hear elements from as far back to the ‘70s up until the late ‘90s. Vial is by no means the most inventive band to come out recently in fact most of their songs feel like a tip of the hat.

They open with “Messenger” which is the arguable highlight of the album. This song flat out rocks from beginning to end with a badass attitude. I thought Estevez delivered a stellar vocal performance. He is dynamic and is full of passion when he sings. 

“Higher Loud” starts off sounding like it could be a Rage Against the Machine song and then the chorus comes and I couldn't help but be reminded of the song “Can You Take Me Higher” by Creed because of the lyrics. 

“I Don’t Mind” utilizes sheets of white noise from the guitar and a powerful rhythm section. The song is powerful although I couldn’t make out most of what the singer was saying. “Don't You” is another highlight which certainly has some resemblance to Queens of the Stone Age while the closer “Gonna Take Time” is an energetic song that is certainly one that will get an audience amped.

​Vial is an above average rock band that established a solid foundation with Chaosity. I’d like to hear the band expand on this and further develop their own sound with future releases.

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