Vervein – The Weather Inside

Live, Love and Remember the 90s

Each generation has thus far had their own signature music from the period of their youth. The Baby Boomers had classic rock, gen x had new wave and children of the 90s had grunge. Even though grunge isn’t as main stream as it was ten years ago, a few bands still exist that give this generation a reminiscent look into their past. One of these bands is Vervein with their second album, The Weather Inside.Weather begins slowly yet loudly with the lethargic beat and distorted guitar riff of “Code Orange.” The album is saturated with heavy bass lines as in “Conquer,” raw guitar effects as in “Walkie Talkie” and sugary sweet vocals with tight harmonies as in “Bully.” The music is a thoroughly whipped concoction of The Breeders, Hole, Mazzy Star and The Sundays. Vervein is an all-female band which is sometimes grungy and hardcore, sometimes languid and pretty. Though all four members originated from punk bands, the punk musical influence is gone. Even so, the original members, Jess Congdon and Esther Reyes are both classically trained musicians. This influence with atypical time signatures and flowing melodies does translate.

However, the entire album seems to drag. Even in the heavier songs such as “Ghost Outside,” the beat is sluggish as if under water. It’s not standard head-banging 90s borderline metal. It’s more of a dark and heavy yet slothful listen.

All in all, The Weather Inside by Vervein is a solidly written and worthwhile endeavor. It is not an album for those who are looking for something groundbreaking and innovative. It is a record for those who lived, loved and remember the 90s.