The Vex

The Vex
Martyr
(self released)
****
The Vex’s debut single ‘Martyr’ is quick, sharp and with fewer wasted notes than a Ramones guitar lesson and clocking in at a fat trimming 1 min 59 it’s a track that hasn’t got time to waste itself on extended outros or face melting guitar solos, this is a sonic hit and run.

Inspired by the recent Pussy Riot court case in Russia The Vex are carrying the torch and tradition of groups such as The Clash without resorting to the empty sixth form political posturing of their later days, instead they are providing a soundtrack to the day-to-day news stories without trying to “bring down the government man!”, instead they’ll just provide the soundtrack while it falls all by itself. Get it.

Chris Lancaster

Read more at http://www.artrocker.tv/singles/article/singles-for-the-week-starting-4th-march#FS61Jev3FWYEUQWq.99 - Chris Lancaster

With the new music scene being dominated by bands from the North, The Vex show why London is still the home of music.

After being gutted to miss out on the coveted Haim tickets yesterday, I walked into the Camden Barfly last night hoping The Vex would be able to lift my mood. Having followed the lads since their first gig supporting a certain Mr Doherty, and even as their previous incarnation as Krakatoa, I thought I knew just how good their live shows could be – I was wrong. Last night’s gig raised the bar to a whole new level.

Support acts the Corderoys and The Wholls gave strong performances, the latter mixing a blend of rock and rap (think Temptation by Arctic Monkeys) to great success, it was a lively set and I would be very into seeing them again. Soon enough though it was time for the main event and following an airing of the Clash’s “Know Your Rights” by the DJ, The Vex walked on stage to a now rammed Barfly. I’ve never seen the venue so full and even the band had to entice the crowd to move forward so a few more eager souls could squeeze into the back. For a band that are just about to release their first single (this was of course the reason we were here) this is a monumental feat. Kicking off instantly with their now familiar energetic stage presence, front men Josh and Jack thrash their guitars around the stage, swapping and sharing mic’s in an uncanny resemblance to Pete and Carl from the Libertines, while bassist Andrew and Joshua on drums keep things rooted, driving the songs forward.

Powering through old favourites, the Ska tinged rock and roll that The Vex offer has the entire room moving while new single Martyr is a straight up two-minute political punk song that could have come direct from the Clash. Inspired by the imprisonment of Pussy Riot last year, “Are we mad to suggest people have the strength, to revolutionise?” sings Jack, pointing to the crowd. It’s a refreshing sight to see a band not scared about writing a song with a message – it’s not just the same, safe topics that new bands only seem capable of writing about.

London’s always been known for music, with bands arriving daily into the capital to try their luck. While very few actually make an impact, even fewer are able to create a scene which is exactly what The Vex have done. Regular faces attend every gig around the city, friendships are formed and 90% of that room will be able to tell you a story of how they know one of the band. It’s that accessibility which is one of the key and most defining aspects of The Vex, the crowd last night was conglomeration of different ages, styles and backgrounds but everyone I spoke to was blown away by the gig.

The Vex are a people’s band, a Londoners band, and it kind of felt more than just another gig. Putting nearly every new band to shame, the energy and excitement in the Barfly last night proved why they deserve to be recognised and I really hope that they aren’t going to be confined to just ruling London for long…



https://www.facebook.com/thevexofficial

http://www.thevex.co.uk

https://soundcloud.com/thevexofficial - Michael Aylwin

The Vex are a dynamic 4 piece from South East London who with their exciting brand of rock ‘n’ roll and Clash inspired Punk exploded onto the London circuit and have been constantly turning heads with their electrifying live show whilst gathering a fiercely loyal fan base in their wake. In support of their debut single ‘Martyr’ in March 2013 the band have kept gigging hard on the Camden, Greater London and festival circuit and are currently in the process of creating their debut EP release. This is a band whose lifeblood flows through every chord and lyric of their songs and who can’t be thrown off course no matter what comes their way. This isn’t some flavour of the week ‘gap year project’ this is a way of life.

“There’s a band from London called The Vex, who are by far and away the best live band I’ve seen in a long time. They do thrashy, Beatles-y, punky, modern stuff. It’s furious and really alive and just amazing to watch” – CARL BARAT (NME) - The Guardian