Album Review: Vickers Vimy, Atlas of Hearts

In case you skipped school the day they did World War I, this Irish band’s name is taken from a heavy bomber made in Mayo, just like the band. That it was intended to murder people may be an issue for some. Atlas Of Hearts is their self-produced new album, offering an Irish strain of alt.folk via a selection of songs by Ed Drea and Fintan Hanley, who have a distinctive vision.

In ‘The Bonfire Of Dantes’, the band – Spanish trumpets a-blazing – sally forth into the great wide open for a dark tale of hellish priests. Single ‘Chicago’ takes us into stormy seas with piano, fiddle, mandolin and a Springsteen-like sense of drama. Next stop is ‘Budapest’ for a charming, piano-driven adventure, complete with excellent vocals and melody. ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ is a rattling tale of emigration with gritty guitars, while the title track is beautifully evocative, and ‘Keep Your Eye On The Road’ is vintage folk.

Piano, guitar and mandolin are front and centre, though this is not conventional, easy-listening fare. Vickers Vimy push the envelope creatively, incorporating elements of Americana and Hibernia, whilst successfully drawing on contemporary sounds. It all makes for a terrific listen.

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7.5/10