Reviewer - Mari Eliza
Fun. Original. I love the opening on the opening song, "Life Preserver." The lyrics aptly describe the post dotcom meloncholy mantra wondering the back streets of the city that I call home. "Waiting" is a breathe of fresh air with wonderful vocal harmonies and superb guitar solos that just swept in from the streets. If you're ready for a change of pace. Check this one out. It's more than all right. It's a winner!
Reviewer - UmbrellaZine
FLAWED, the second album release by this up and coming indie band, ISN'T. What it is: Strong poetic/prophetic lyrics, great vocals and hooky tunes. This April 2004 CD release shows ViV has the stuff it takes to move forward. Matt Ostrander is a gifted writer, and the the music is catchy, albeit a bit repetitious, in the style of today's new bands. But hey, then again, recent Springsteen is repetitious in the lyrics, melody, and technique ... we like VIV's album FLAWED release far more than Bruce's recent efforts. ViV IS Fresh, Growing, Inventive - we think this band shows the potential for getting noticed. FLAWED presents ViV melodically, with a bit of edge showing, and that's a good thing (sorry Martha). It's got insightful lyrics, clever hooks, and yes, even some gems of musicianship on this album. Check out the track Green - from the haunting intro to the interjections of lead guitar - clear punctuation in a swirl of sound. ViV has a lot to say about being in the now ... experiencing reality, feelings, and the world. Shine is clearly the leading track, but the lyrics from Suffer (I feel like a square pig in a round, round mud ... I saw the face of God on a homeless man, He said your eyes are so blind but your soul still sees, And 3am has wide eyes) are as hardhitting as any of the new word-music/rap/spoken standup poetry that's out in the coffeehouses and clubs from Cambridge to LA. This album is catchy (a bit pop) with enough edge and intelligence to get your ear. FLAWED is not flawed, nor is it lacking ... it's strong. Feels like this band has much more experimentation to conduct, and more complex music will emerge in the next and next and next releases. Jesta recommends you give a listen and then some to ViV's CD FLAWED. You might just think you're back on the East Coast in a Long Island or Cambridge club.
Reviewer - Discovering Artists
With a sound lost somewhere between Coldplay and Beck, VIV has hit the music scene and beckoned its attention. "Flawed" has a bit of a Tom Petty/The Thorns vibe as it progresses lyrically with, "You're basically alright/A little flawed, but that's okay". These aren't goopy, romantic songs...they're fun tracks with thoughtful content. I can appreciate both kinds of music, and this craftsmanship and sound is certainly worth all the hype it's been getting. For a chill Guster-ish listen, this is the perfect selection.
Reviewer - Melodic
Viv is a band led by singer/songwriter Matt Ostrander that was formed in 2001 and released the debut the same year,together with Steve Bowman-Drums/Justus Dobrin-Keys/Mike Fiorentino-Violin,mandolin,guitar and Erik Semo-Bass they have recorded a fresh and warm sophomore album in "Flawed". All fans of The Wallflowers,Counting Crows and Rembrandts should look this way coz Viv plays rootsy and mature powerpop which feels ultra melodic. Matt has a tender and almost fragile voice that in some moments sounds a bit like Bob Dylan but only a little,as a matter of fact they have a song called "Bob Dylan" on this new album,however that song doesn't sound so much like a Dylan tune-it's more of a britpop song in the same vein as Coldplay,Travis and even some Radiohead. The opening track "Friends" is the highlight of the album with unforgettable melodies both in the verses and the chorus,imagine Wallflowers playing a Blue Oyster Cult tune and you've got "Friends"......sounds weird?!....well it aint. The rootsy and midwest sounding title track "Flawed" has some major romantic vibes to it,the chorus is made for a long ride in your car....you can play it over and over again. The last songs on this 9 track album are more acoustic based and drags the tempo down a bit but all in all,it's a record you can't live without.