Led by Vini Bruckert (formerly of Crown Vic Royal; guitar and vocals) and featuring vocalist Ann Filmer (Planet Claire, Mrs. Smith and the Present), Jason Johnston on drums, Jon Rogers on bass, and Kevin Ford on keys (who also produced and engineered at Fullerton Recording Studios, Chicago), Vinto Van Go is a playful collection of tunes featuring Bruckert’s inventive guitar playing.
“Falling So Far” kicks things off with a Stonesy guitar lick and Filmer’s cool New Wave vocal delivery. “One Streetlight” is quirkier; sung/spoken vocals, horns, funk guitar and tight rhythms pull the listener in several directions at once. “Secret Warnings” is more explicitly psychedelic with a distinct 60’s vibe. “Comeuppance” is theatrical rock in the vein of Sparks, The Tubes, and Zappa.
Further along, “Forsake Me” mixes elements of space/prog rock with NYC-style punk and new wave (Blondie, Patti Smith Group) and “Burning…Stairway” is an eccentric guitar workout with the vocals coming in at the halfway mark. “Power Lines Tight” (one of two instrumental tracks) has elements of 70s hard rock while “Every Other Afternoon” channels Donovan, X, and The Doors.
“What’s Going Down” again showcases Bruckert’s guitar skills and seemingly stream of conscious lyrics while “Only When Freaky” is far more modern and streamlined (but still funky and weird). “Still Again” cribs a bit from The Strokes and Debbie Harry but is nonetheless charming while the lyric-free “Always Remember (the Last Time You Went Crazy)” is unabashed Pink Floyd worship.
Vinto Van Go wraps up with “One Siren’s Song,” which is a bit of a mellow coda and perhaps the comedown crash after the candy store riot of the previous dozen songs.
