Part of the same synth punk renaissance as the very similar (and unfortunately superior)
Epoxies,
VCR are a modern version of early-'80s new wave, with a three-synth front line backed by a garagey punk rhythm section. Their first full-length,
Power Destiny builds on the strengths of their debut EP: the synthesizers are better integrated with each other, playing lead and rhythm lines like guitarists do rather than each simply bleeping off on their own like a trio of
Brian Enos on the same stage. The songs are also more emphatically rocking, with the punky sass that keeps this from being a flaccid genre exercise. However,
VCR have an unfortunate flaw in lead singer Chad Middleton, whose essentially tuneless yelp of a voice just grates on the ears after three or four songs. With a better singer with a stronger musical personality,
VCR would be a neo-retro kick, but
Power Destiny never quite gets off the ground. ~ Stewart Mason