BREAKING FREE FROM SMALL TOWN CHAINS: MARK VENNIS & DIFFERENT PALACE’S “SMALL TOWN VAMPIRE” ALBUM
4 min read
Guys!! Have you had a night out with your buddies where all you do is sing along albums and play music all nights around some bonfire haha, my goodness that’s the kinda feeling this album from Mark Vennis & Different Place sparks. They called this one “Small Town Vampire”. With strong new wave influences, Mark Vennis tackles the suffocating confines of life in Little England with seven stripped-down punk/new wave tracks, clocking in at just under 24 minutes. Something you don’t wanna miss, cos man it’s got all the sauce, from catchy hooks, to deep lyrics, thrilling storytelling and above all crazy beats, I can boldly say we gonna feast.
The album tho, portrays a narrative of a defiant proclamation against small-mindedness and conformity, which captures how those from rural or small town yearn to escape for a better life. Then the album touches on the struggles and frustrations they go through while discovering themselves. What I love about this album is how Vennis himself reflects on themes of hope, dreams, and the struggle to find one’s feet amidst the repetition of everyday life. A life where, it’s boring, dull, nothing refreshing and just waking up to go through the same thing again and again and again. Now let’s see what I’m taking about from the album, you ready?? Let’s roll.
Sparking The album to life is the opening track, “Small Town Vampire.” This song sets the tone with its punchy rhythms and biting lyrics. In here Mark Vennis paints a clear image of a small-town disappointment, scenes where dreams are hindered and individuals are trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. What I love about this song, is the beats, my goodness. It gives you this night out vibes with some beers while blasting this with your buddies who share the same dream of finding a better life outside this small town. It’s vibrant energy and infectious hooks captures your attention and sets you ready for the whole album. Trust me, you don’t wanna miss out on this album. The first track is heavenly and if you want to read more on it, we have it on here @swiispa.com
Another track that lifts the album up is “Slip These Chains.” This track follows suit to the opening track. Especially with its anthemic chorus and driving guitars that pushes listeners to break free from the shackles of conformity and routine. Life is crazy and meant to be enjoyed, so why are you not letting go certain burdens and enjoy life, than trying to please a society that doesn’t care? Break loose those chains and go out there, have some beers and have fun. Mark Vennis’s raw vocals and passionate delivery resonate with a sense of urgency, asking we all to stop following a certain path to life that everyone follows and rather carve our own path and make it in life. I love the song man, it’s just crazy and I love the free will vibe it gives, like giving zero f**ks to what everyone’s doing and just do it your way so far as it’s good and right. This is a solid album, and thank you Mark, at least something to cheer me up, love every bit of the album.
Putting the album to a beautiful end is the standout track, “Familiar Feeling of Falling.” This song touches on themes of existential disappointment. Like why’s everyone’s life going better and then there’s you, everything messed up. Where you sometimes question why you even exist. All this against a backdrop of swirling guitars and pulsating rhythms, Vennis explores the fleeting nature of time and the relentless march of progress. This song has this sunset feeling and a bit of country vibes, with those haunting refrain portraying the bittersweet nostalgia of lost dreams and faded memories, something we all can relate to. The song is deep, beautiful and I love those raw vocals, which punches your soul with emotions as the lyrics hits you hard. Then the beats just gives you room to not even give up. This is a complete album of life, it has everything you need, like it’s got a song that discuss every stage and that makes it a must-listen album.
See this album is a solid 10/10 project, from it’s deep lyrics, to catchy hooks and then beats matched with top notch delivery, you’re in for a ride. Well if you listened carefully, you’d realize that throughout the album Mark Vennis created melodies and infectious hooks that linger long after the music fades. Well Mark will say With “The More You Stay, The More You Are Trapped”, so let’s face life head-on and not be afraid to take up new challenges.
In the end, Mark Vennis & Different Place have delivered a top notch masterpiece, that will forever live with listeners and resonate with them. It’s here to push you beyond your beliefs, beyond your limits and give you hope. So why don’t you go ahead and give this album “Small Town Vampire” a listen, and treat yourself to some good music this week. ENJOY!! Make sure to check them out on the links below for more;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4rBW1HyBpRw0XTwb6_hh4g
https://www.instagram.com/markvennis
https://www.twitter.com/diffplaceband
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