La Vega
Wave
Reviewed by Stephen Krock
At a time when modern surfer music is synonymous with mellow, stoner fare, garage rock La Vega is a cool blast of ocean water riding to the shore on a righteous wave. Rather than kicking back with their toes in the sand, La Vega kicks the sand up in the air on their debut album, aptly titled Wave.
If The Strokes threw a boogie-on-the-beach party and soaked their sound in sexy, sexy reverb, you’d have La Vega. It’s nigh impossible to pick a few shining stars in this impressive premiere. They’re all just so damn good. Like almost obnoxiously good. The first half is a veritable blast. With “Do The Surfer Girl Limbo,” “Love Ya Self,” and “Where You Normally Go” leading the fray of rock solid California party anthems. Halfway through, the instrumental titular track slows things down like an orange sun setting over a beach bonfire. And that’s where the tone remains as the party stabilizes and La Vega summons the stars and the cool night sky. The 50s boy band sound to the torchy “Exit Tax” is one of the most perfect things I’ve heard all year.
La Vega deserves to move out of the garage and into… I don’t know, at least a two or three car garage. Listen to them. Except if you’re another band. Then you’ll just feel bad about yourself.
Rating: Iconic
