Genre/Influences: Dark-rock, cold-wave.
Background/Info: Virtues & Failings is a Canadian formation based in Vancouver. They last year released the first self-titled EP, which was the first one from a series of four. So here’s the second one simply entitled “2” and again featuring four songs.
Content: The influences are clearly getting back to some cold-wave and post-punk bands with some extra dark-rock approach on top. Some passages remind me of Joy Division, but with a less dark and tormented approach. This is more music to listen to instead of danceable work.
+ + + : You can’t really consider this band as belonging to one established music style. It makes the originality of “2” although I clearly prefer the passages reminding me a bit of Joy Division. Just pay attention for “Truth” and “Song On”, and you’ll possibly notice some similar elements.
– – – : The main element this band has to improve is the mix and global sound production, which sounds a bit amateuristic.
Conclusion: I can’t say this band is setting the world alight, but “2” is a pleasant listening without real highlights.
Best songs: “Sing On”, “Truth”.
Rate: (6½).
