By Paige Edmund
I had the opportunity to see and interview the Vista Kicks last September. They were playing in Kansas City and I had decided to check it out. I did not know they were traveling with another underground band named The Hail Maries. The best decision the Vista Kicks has made as of yet, regarding their music career is not only touring with the Hail Maries, but inviting them into the band and recording an album together under the group name: the Vista Maries.
The Vista Maries debut album All Hail Vista Maries is a fantastic improvement from either group’s previous work. The production quality adds further depth into the songs, and the harmonies between the former Vista Kicks and the Hail Maries create is what makes this album a knockout.
Previous albums by the Vista Kicks had stand out songs, but the albums did not feel cohesive. Meticulously crafted, each song leads into the other and being the listener on a journey, creating an album that to be listened to from beginning to end to receive the full experience.
The Vista Kicks carried with them a more vintage sound reminiscent of 1970s folk rock, but this album fully embraces that. I believe it is because the Hail Maries are able to bring an angelic soprano to the tracks that gives the impression of songs being conversations from artist to artist.
After having seen them in concert, I do wish they had leaned with more rock elements for this album. This band can truly hype a crowd and maintain that energy the entire night, mostly through amazing solos and jamming on stage.
he album maintains a more mellow feel on the first half, then rises with the rock-inspired sound they are more akin to playing, before slipping into a relaxing ballad ending the album. The softened nature behind the production does not take away from quality but does differ from what had been expected. I have first-hand experience of the rock capabilities of this band and I wish that had shined through more, considering the mastery of guitar, bass, and drum solos is what made the energy from their Kansas City show palpable.
The comfortability in their voices has greatly improved with this album, likely from touring with each other and finding their strengths together. While the Vista Kicks had experience with a four person band previously, the Hail Maries round this group out and help build them to what they should be. All Hail the Vista Maries will become an iconic turning point for this group should it receive the exposure it deserves.
Rated nine out of ten.