Just thinking to myself when VAIN’s debut release “No Respect” came out in 1989 and how excited I was that I was going to see VAIN perform live at Studio One in Newark New Jersey with fellow RockEyez staffers David Felix and Mark Balogh. At that time “No Respect” was my favorite release of that era and Davy Vain was a God. After that came grunge and I lost track of the band, which still released four more CD’s during the 90’s and beyond.

It’s now been six years since VAIN’s last release, “On The Line”, which was released in 2005 and I am hoping the flame has reignited with the new CD “Enough Rope” on Davy’s own label Jackie Rainbow Records.

To me Davy has always been a premiere vocalist as I love how he phrases and just the pure excitement he brings to a song. My excitement has not been me down as the disc opens with “Greener”. It is heart-pounding music with clear cut elevation; the musicianship has brought back those memories of “No Respect” right from the first note. Love the overall production and the drum sounds of Louie Senor push the limits to even higher levels. Davy Vain is still a God of a vocalist and the opening track “Greener” shows pure class and great harmonies on a prefect opening song.

It’s a power adrenaline rush with “Triple X” as it is fast, heavy and hard as Jamie Scott and Danny West’s glowing guitar work is a flashback to the glory days. These guys go off and it is great to hear. “Hot Stage Lights” brings the sultry side of VAIN as Davy strut’s his vocal style like the seasoned artist he is. I really give credit to VAIN, who never have really strayed to the wrong side of the tracks musically. They stuck to their original sound throughout their history and only fell to the wayside because of the change in music styles. 

“Stray Kitten Burns” could be an outtake from “No Respect” and is such a powerful track and one of my favorites. Davy is one of a kind with a distinctive voice that posses greatness like no other. The song is a magical tune that if there was any justice would put VAIN back on the map. With some vicious guitar work, the song flows to utter perfection.

“Cindy” has those tantalizing chords similar to BANG TANGO’s “Dancing on Coals” and is a seductive rocker. VAIN still hold the torch of bringing the best music to the masses and the tunes on “Enough Rope” will enjoy audience appeal as the songs will be vital to the resurrection of VAIN as true rockers.

I’ve seen many bands back in the day and have also seen many in the modern times but VAIN has always stuck out to me because of not only the ultra-talented Davy Vain, but the musicianship has always been in your face rock with killer guitar and kick-ass songs and lyrics. Davy still has great vocal range and can write a song and that’s why they have stood the test of time.

Jumping to “Distance Of Love”, you will hear an amazing song as Davy’s vocal’s dig deep and climb to ecstasy during the chorus. Drummer Louie Senor makes his presence known on the track and as the guitars get louder you still get the feeling of calm with this soft rocker.

The track “Vain” takes off with power chords as this could be VAIN’s new anthem. Live this could be a great opening or closing song. The guitar work is amazing. In summary, “Enough Rope” is a real keeper, so when it’s released go pick this bad boy up and make yourself happy!