Album Review: Vistas - 'Is This All We Are?'
Triumphant, refreshing and simply brilliant: Vistas latest record ‘Is This All We Are?’ is set to be a huge success.
The Edinburgh outfit have really made a name for themselves over the past few years, creating some modern-day indie classics. These tracks paved the way for the group’s widely lauded first two studio albums. ‘Is This All We Are?’ does not shy away from the task of following the band’s previous work. Instead, it takes the role on with undeniable confidence.
The group’s decision to switch up their surroundings feels extremely clever. Opting to record at Liverpool’s Kempston Street Studios this time around has most certainly added to the refreshing sound that can be heard on the album. The group have commented on the ‘fresh burst of energy’ that this switch gave them, and it was evident right from the singles released ahead of the record.
Kicking off ‘Is This All We Are?’ is the excellent ‘Cruel Hearts’. As the opening track, as well as the first piece of work completely new to listeners, it is perfect. Frontman Prentice Robertson takes centre stage early on with the focus being on a careful and constant guitar riff, as well as the instantly recognisable vocals of the singer. The rest of the group gradually fade into the track and it builds up to a point of triumphant climax with the entirety of Vistas being in action. Robertson sings “Cruel hearts keep us together” as the track explodes. It’s brilliant. The perfect opener for the record, and one that seems fitting for the beginning of a live show as well.
Seamlessly, we are thrown into the second track of the album. ‘Bad Idea’ is one the few tracks released as a single ahead of the latest body of work. Hearing it in its place on the album adds something special to it. What is already a superb track becomes even more so. It really shows off just how talented the group are, displaying their versatility throughout. Big choruses, thoughtful words, clever breakdowns: it really has it all. There seems to be a theme of honesty running throughout Vistas’ work. “Every time we talk it’s just a bad idea” sings the front man. The group address real life worries and issues head on.
Another of the singles that finds itself embedded in the latest record is ‘Nowadays’ that is brimming with passion, in the vocal performance as well as the instrumental. Big, full guitar riffs dominate the number with the bass thudding with the drums to complete an extremely full sounding track. Once again, Robertson’s vocal performance is something to behold. On this one, he moves away from the euphoric style we have heard from him, and towards a heavier sound. The track is excellent, and it was the perfect decision to release it ahead of the record, showing the listeners just how versatile the group really are.
The title number finds itself positioned on the other side of the midway point of the album. ‘Is This All We Are?’ is an epic track that feels extremely self-reflectional. The titular question is repeated throughout, and the group take listeners on a journey. It ranges from gentle guitar riffs to confident, chorus filled licks. This one is a real story that feels like a journey through a range of emotions from certainty to uncertainty and everything in between.
The group are relentless with their quality on the album. Every song seems to be perfectly sculpted. ‘Sleeping With The Light On’ is the perfect example of this. The band have stated that they had made a conscious effort- throughout the recording process- to strip away any unnecessary details that didn’t serve the music. The result of this is beautiful tracks like ‘Sleeping With The Light On’. Everything in this one is there for a reason. The gentle keyboards, the big guitars, drums, bass, all working together to once again really take listeners for a ride through a spiralling set of emotions. It’s incredible.
The final tracks of the record are ‘The Garden’: a largely acoustic number that is so pure. Robertson’s words and imagery are just wonderful. “I will be waiting for you to come around” is the key message in this one. In short, ‘The Garden’ is a lovely track that warms the soul with its gentle guitar and loving lyrics.
The record’s ultimate track is ‘A Hit Of Heaven’, an extremely fitting title. This one feels like just this: a hit of heaven. The drums feel reminiscent of dance tracks that are synonymous with total euphoria. This is no different, and the band have a song that they should really be proud of. Once again, it shows off their ability to take on a range of styles and effortlessly perfect them. The track builds up to complete climax, where traditional and electronic sounds meet to provide a stunning end to a brilliant record.
With this, ‘Is This All We Are?’ is complete. Vistas have smashed it out of the park with this one. It’s a body of work that should be admired by the group, as it will be by so many others.
Words by Matthew Caslin
