Although the music is enjoyable enough, it lacks the interest to capture a listener's full attention.

A primary goal of instrumental music is to elicit visceral emotion in the absence of melodic verse. However, when that connection fails, the listener is left unfulfilled. Vasa, the Glasgow-based quartet attempt to communicate their brand of music sans vocals with their debut entitled 'Colours'. Vasa is an interesting amalgamation of styles which focus on whimsical melodies which dance and spin amongst heavy grooves and bombastic drumming.

Fusing the delay-heavy approach from The Edge (U2), the thick 'Wall Of Sound' leanings of Devin Townsend and the hypnotizing melodic figures from the Shoegaze movement (think My Bloody Valentine) of the early nineties makes for one enticing formula.

While 'Colours' possesses texture in spades and are capable of constructing soundscapes that are equal parts lush and melodic (none better represented than on the single 'Fat Ronaldo'), their compositions ultimately fail to convey a cogent statement.

'Colours' features a track-list containing prominent melody, a substantial rhythmic backbone and interesting sonics. However, it lacks the compositional development that would more accurately represent the album's title.

'Ergonomic Keyboard' is one such track that bucks the trend where a repetitive melodic figure atop an odd time rhythmic pattern combines to create an interesting polyrhythm. However, the moment is short-lived and the band takes the song into more predictable concerted writing where all parts follow a basic theme.

As it stands with 'Colours', Vasa's approach to Alternative/Experimental Rock would best be executed with the addition of a vocalist. Although the music is enjoyable enough, it lacks the interest to capture a listener's full attention.

If Vasa continues unperturbed with its current line-up, they will need to deliver a much more diverse and challenging album to suit the needs of a growing and more discerning public.

Brent Rusche