line up 1  (2016-2021)

- Jamie Law -- bass, backing vocals

- Prentice Robertson -- vocals, guitar, keyboards

- Dylan Rush -- lead guitar, backing vocals

  supporting musicians: (2020)

- Graham McDonald -- drums, percussion

  supporting musicians: (2021)

- Sam Leighton -- drums, percussion

- Rich Turvey -- keyboards

- none known

Genre: rock

Rating: 4 stars ****

Title:  Everything Changes In the End

Company: Retrospect

Catalog:  RR001LPB
Year: 2020

Country/State: Edinburgh, Scotland

Grade (cover/record): NM / NM

Comments: sealed

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 32000

Price: $50.00

Vistas one of my Coronavirus-era discoveries ...  While in quarantine and on an extended telework arrangement with my employer,  I got in the habit of waking up early and walking four or five miles before a lot of other people were out on the trails.  During one of those walks I was listing to an NPR podcast which played a snippet of something by Vista.  I'd never heard of the band, didn't catch the song title and wasn't even sure that I'd got the band name right.  While the song snippet was a little bouncy for 5:30 in the morning  (it turned out to be 'Sucker'), I liked what I'd heard and tracked down a copy of their newly minted LP "Everything Changes In the End".  

Bassist Jamie Law, singer/guitarist Prentice Robertson and lead guitarist Dylan Rush met in high school.  They formed The Vistas in 2016 (explaining why they looked so young in promotional materials). Over the next four three years the trio toured extensively, self-issuing a digital four track EP "Medicine" that was subsequently reissued on vinyl by the small Manchester Lab label as 2019's "Hello", as well as issuing a pair of singles:

2018's "Medicine" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) Like An American - 3:03

2.) Eighteen - 3:21

(side 2)

1.) Headspace - 3:03

2.) Fade - 4:08

2018's "Hello" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) Like An American - 3:03

2.) Eighteen - 3:21

(side 2)

1.) Headspace - 3:03

2.) Fade - 4:08

- 2018's 'Tigerblood' b/w 'Hold Me' (Lab Records)

- 2019's 'Fade' b/w 'Like an American' (self released)

There's also a 2018 "shared" EP.  Released by Lab Records, side one features two tracks by the band Marsicans, while the flip side featured two Vistas tracks:

"Marsicans x Vistas" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) Wake Up Freya 

2.) Throw Ourselves In

(side 2)

1.) Calm

2.) Retrospect

Produced by Rich Turvey at sessions in Paar Street Studios Liverpool and Big Jelly Studios Ramsgate,  everything on "Everything Changes In the End" screamed summer breakout.  The album cover and many of the lyrics (there was even a song entitled 'Summer') ...  all underscored a summer flavor.  Certainly an interesting feel in the season of this COVID-19 pandemic  Given how catchy the majority of these thirteen tracks were, the marketing major in me couldn't help but feel this was an album that had been put together with one goal - selling lots and lots of records during the Summer months.  Admittedly that's the goal of most records (okay, maybe not Lou Reed's "Metal Machine Music"), but it's seldom as overt as this collection.  I'm not a songwriter, but listening to songs like the title track, 'Teenage Blues' and ''Sucker' it seemed like these guys sat down and dissected the last thirty years of top-40 music looking to come up with the DNA of a hit record.  In the process they'd came up with a Scottish recipe - strong melody; dash of uplifting, yearning lyrics, throw in a touch of Big Country earnestness, bit of punk brashness and energy, a little Scottish twang on Prentice Robertson's vocals and wherever possible add in some soccer chants.  And while the cynic in me thought classic sellout, months later I am still humming half of these tunes.  Damn it.  Yeah, tracks like '15 Years' and 'Shout' weren't going to change the world, but given the confusion, uncertainty and pressures so many people are currently confronting, maybe that isn't necessary.  Perhaps taking your mind off of all the other concerns we're facing with a couple of minutes of pure audio enjoyment is enough of a gift for most of us.  

At any other time these guys would have been a major breakout act.  Sadly 2020 isn't a normal year and with no way to effective tour (planned appearances as SXSW and a UK tour were cancelled) and limited opportunities to promote the album, outside of Scotland, Vistas' debut did little commercially.  It saddens me, but I'm going to enjoy every moment of the LP.

By the way, YouTube has a great 20 minute clip on the group's history and the making of the LP:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQDZJo6r9JI

"Everything Changes In the End" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Intro (instrumental)  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell)  - 0:50   rating: ** stars

the opening instrumental 'Intro' was atypical for the band, sounding like something that had been lifted from a sci-fi soundtrack.  Always wondered why it was on the album ... 

2.) Everything Changes In the End  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 3:17  rating: **** stars

With the addition of some synthesizers washes, the rollicking  title track epitomized their formula with suitably impressive results.  And once again the result was a song that wouldn't leave my cranial play list.  After three months I still find myself humming the tune at odd moments.  Here's a link to the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7z2WpFIng

3.) Teenage Blues  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 2:38  rating: **** stars

The first song they completed for the LP, I guess I'm just a sucker for Scottish band's with a knack for crunching pop melodies and 'Teenage Blues' had a radio friendly melody that should had made them major stars.  They also recorded a sweet video to go with the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjWM15MiVmc  And for anyone who thought these guys were just a studio entity, check out this acoustic performance - just Robertson on piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvA9ddxM3k   The song was tapped as the debut digital single

4.) 15 Years  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 2:49  rating: **** stars

Written during the actually recording sessions and envisioned as a "thank you" for their good fortune and their dedicated fan base, I wonder if it would be possible for someone to just sit still through '15 Years'?   Showcasing a crunching, but highly commercial melody and some of those group shouted backing vocals, the tune should have blanketed airwaves.  And the video they did showcasing Vistas fans was simply wonderful.

5.) Sucker  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 3:36  rating: **** stars

Geez, 'Sucker' sounded like these guys had spent the last year dissecting Western pop music and figuring out the mechanics of creating a top-10 hit.  Virtually everything here screamed massive hit - buoyant melody; addictive chorus; enthusiastic lyrics; soccer chants and a tasty little guitar solo.   How did radio miss this one?  The band also filmed a cute, though heart crushing video for the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RElvnl6Yk40   The track served as the second digital single.

6.) Summer  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 4:03  rating: **** stars

Big Country circa 2020 ...  'Summer' was one of the first songs the band recorded - a big, panoramic  ballad that somehow seemed like the perfect song to release in the midst of a world-wide pandemic.  The tune just seemed to scream please let peoples' lives get back to some semblance of normality.  Reminding me of Terry Gilliam's work for Monty Python, the band released another great video for the song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RElvnl6Yk40

7.) Tigerblood  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 3:22  rating: **** stars

It was kind of lost in the muddy mix, but Rush' fuzz drenched guitar riff is what made the rocker 'Tigerblood' such a great garage rock track.  Apparently a lot of people know the song as a result of it being used on the  2019 Dream League Soccer app.  Of course there's a video for the tune:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eqZyUi-hvo   As mentioned, the song had previously been released as a vinyl single:

- 2018's 'Tigerblood' b/w 'Hold Me' (Lab Records)

(side 2)

1.) The Love You Give  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 3:00   rating: *** stars

It wasn't bad, but 'The Love You Give' was also the first song that didn't knock me over ...  With the exception of a blazing Rush solo, it was a case where their formula was taken to an extreme.  I almost like this Robertson's' solo performance better:

2.) Shout  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 2:36  rating: **** stars

Powered by the patented group shouted vocals, 'Shout' was a great little rocker.  Bet this one is a riot to hear in a live setting.

3.) You and Me  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 2:21   rating: *** stars

One consistent criticism I've seen of the album focuses on the lack of versatility and with 'You and Me' I can hear a little of the point.  The song certainly had a great chorus and on another album it might have been a standout performance, but here it came off as an also-ran performance.  

4.) Sentimental  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 3:51  rating: **** stars

Another album highlight for me, the aptly titled 'Sentimental' was apparently inspired by having been on the road and away from home for a lengthy period. And if you were expecting a sappy ballad - think again.  Nice tune showcaasing Jamie Law's awesome bass moves.

5.) Retrospect  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 3:26  rating: **** stars

'retrospect' was another previously issued track - in this case, it had been one of two sngs on their 2018 "shared" EP with Marsicans.   It's worth hearing just for the double claps ...   This joyful three minutes would have been my choice for the leadoff single.  Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHr4fgxbED0  Taken from sessions at BBC Scotland,  YouTube has a great live performance of the tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JMbBGF8yjM 

6.) November  (Prentice Robertson - Jacob Campbell) - 5:47  rating: **** stars

Having reached the conclusion these guys only had one gear - rockin', 'November' slowed things down with a true ballad.  Complete with thoughtful lyrics and a complete absence of soccer chants, it was a pretty way to end the album.   

The band has a small website at:  https://vistasmusic.com/

Genre: rock

Rating: 4 stars ****

Title:  What Were You Hoping To Find?

Company: Retrospect

Catalog:  R00022
Year: 2021

Country/State: Edinburgh, Scotland

Grade (cover/record): NM / NM

Comments: never played; gimmick opo-up gatefold sleeve

Available: 1

Catalog ID: --

Price: $50.00

Produced by Rick Turvey (who was also credited with keyboards), 2021's "What Were You Hoping To Find?" effortlessly picked up where the last album left off.  That was good and that was bad.  In practical terms it translated into a collection of sparkling pop songs that were covered with just enough ragged rock edges to give them a chance at radio credibility.  At least to my ears Prentice Robertson's Scottish lilt remained instantly recognizable, as was Dylan Rush's slightly ragged lead guitar touches.  On the other hand the band (with backing from drummer Sam Leighton and Rich Turvey on keyboards), seldom stepped into new territory.  For anyone who enjoyed the first album many of these twelve new songs sounded familiar (check out 'Brand New').  I don't think they were trying to play it safe, rather just had a repository of strong material they were working through and there were a couple of modestly brave updates.  'This Information' offered up a modest foray into social commentary.  Also atypical, 'Some Are Not Meant To Belong'' offered up a surprisingly laidback and thoughtful ballad on living as an outsider.  Still, anyone familiar with the debut was going to feel comfortable and familiar with tracks like the title track, 'Start Again' and 'Stuck In Your Head.'  Great if you loved the debut, but not so impressive if you were hoping for artistic growth.  While that may have cost the band some points with the critics, they came up with enough quality material to turn in an album that was consistently enjoyable.  Nah, nothing here was going to change the world, but perhaps that wasn't necessary when so many folks were just looking for a break from their COVID related routines.  Maybe a touch lower than the fantastic debut, but there was no denying that tracks like 'Brand New' and 'Upside' sounded great when you cranked them up on a stereo or your air buds (not too loud though since you want to protect your hearing ...)  .

I also found an interview where Roberston offered a thoughtful overview of the album: "Looking for some kind of answer is the common thread that runs through this album. On our debut, we focused on the transition from our teenage years into adulthood and on this album we asked the question: ‘now that you're here, what it is that you want?’. All the tracks on this record look at something where uncertainty plays a large role and we felt the title ‘What Were You Hoping to Find?’ summed up the sentiment of the album as a whole. We ask a lot of questions across this album and I think it has helped us to answer them for ourselves.”

Apparently 1,000 vinyl copies were released; with the band members initialing the front covers. Well, at least my copies are initialed.  

Always loved the Cameron West cover art and the Rosston Meyer designed pop-up inner sleeve was fascinating.

"What Were You Hoping To Find?" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) What Were You Hoping To Find? - 2:46   rating: **** stars

Powered by Prentice Robertson instantly recognizable Scottish lilt, the bouncy title track was every bit as good as anything found on the debut album.  In fact, the blistering performance would not have sounded out of place on the debut.  Great melody with another tasty Dylan Rush guitar solo.    The band released a lo-tech video to go with the track: Vistas - What Were You Hoping To Find? (Official Video) - YouTube

2.) Start Again - 2:57   rating: **** stars

Even catchier than the title track, 'Start Again' underscored the band could drop the soccer chants in favor of crunching pop-rockers that were top-40 radio ready.  The hook on this one was deadly ...  

3.) Dayglow - 2:58  rating: *** stars

Yes, I'll readily admit that many Vistas songs have a familiar element.  That's certainly the case with 'Dayglo' which instantly recalled material on the debut LP.  At the same time these guys had such a strong knack for catchy melodies, it really didn't matter.  This one was ready made for live settings.  Simple, energetic and  easy to picture fans stomping along in a nightclub setting. The sound quality isn't great, but YouTube as a clip of the band performing the tune before an enthusiastic crowd at a December 2021 performance at Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom: Vistas - Dayglow @ Barrowlands - YouTube

4.) Young Forever - 3:30    rating: **** stars

If there were any songs on the album that were plainly written with an ear to radio airplay, then 'Young Forever' was in the running. Good luck shaking the melody out of your head.  The song also highlighted the group's sweet harmony work.  There was also another supporting video for this one: Vistas - Young Forever (Official Video) - YouTube

5.) Stuck In Your Head - 2:41    rating: **** stars

The album's most polished radio gem, 'Stuck In Your Head' captured the band at their commercial best.  All of the band's strengths were on display here - a  towering Robertson vocal, a shimmering melody powered by Jaime Law's rollicking bass and Dylan Rush's jittery guitar.  The accompanying video was goofy and cute: Vistas - Stuck In Your Head - YouTube

6.) Brand New - 3:23    rating: **** stars

'Brand New' found the band ever so slightly toughening up their sound.  There was no danger you  were going to mistake them for a Scandinavian death metal band, but Rush's guitar was given more of the spotlight on this one.

(side 2)

1.) Feels Like Falling - 5:08  rating: *** stars

Opening up with some stark guitar chords, 'Feels Like Falling' momentarily sounded like a change in pace.  It didn't last long with the band quickly exploding into another standard anthem rocker.  I will admit I liked Rush's work on this one, but this was the first tune where the results started to sound a bit formulaic.

2.) Upside - 3:08    rating: **** stars

A return to glistening top-40 hooks; Rush kicking in some impeccable jangle rock moves.

3.) This Information - 3:17   rating: **** stars

Interesting - 'This Information' found the band taking a step towards social commentary.  Yeah, it was largely submerged into the rocking melody, but it was there.  Also one of the tracks were Rich Turvey's keyboards could be heard through the mix.

4.) Tied Up - 3:02   rating: **** stars

Not quite funky, but 'Tied Up' was one of those tracks that made it hard for you to sit still.

5.) Some Are Not Meant To Belong - 3:24   rating: **** stars

A stark, acoustic ballad, 'Some Are Not Meant To Belong' was the first major departure from their patented sound.  Hearing Robertson with minimal accompaniment was momentarily disconcerting, but the guy had a lovely voice and instrumentation was slowly added to the track, making it one of their prettiest efforts.  Somehow this one makes life as an outsider a little more bariable.

6.) The Love That You Leave Behind - 4:12  rating: **** stars

The closer 'The Love That You Leave Behind' deserved notice for showing Vistas could "build" a song.  Unlike their typical start-by-blowing-out-the-walls, this one slowly built up momentum and energy; culminating in a meltdown distorted Rush solo.  It was all the better for that measured approach.  Awesome way to close the album and another track that deserved airplay.