SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VILLANELLE – MEASLY MEANS

VILLANELLE
MEASLY MEANS
FAE GRP PUBLISHING

VILLANELLE is a UK-based grunge and alternative rock band formed in 2023. They are fronted by singer and guitarist Gene Gallagher (son of Oasis’s Liam Gallagher) and also feature Ben Taylor (guitar) and Jack Schiavo (bass). When their debut EP opens, with the title track “Measly Means,” one can be forgiven for thinking it may be a Nirvana outtake. But very quickly the band establishes itself and delivers a hard driving, powerful, grunge infused rock album.

Gallagher has learned a thing or two from his father, but this music does not sound like Oasis Junior. But what he does incorporate from Oasis is the strong sense of melody. The songs draw the listener in with the strong melodic sense. The second song, for example, “Opportunity Rising,” leans on the guitar work of Ben Taylor to drive the body of the song, and the layered guitars certainly add a great deal to the overall sound. “Hinge” brings to mind My Bloody Valentine, just more energetic, which is just full of energy that is quite relentless. It is a standout track.

The EP ends with the mellow “Squeeze,” and the standard rock song “Placebo.” It is an interesting way to bring the EP to end, especially given “Placebo”’s homage to boogie-woogie music at the end. It seems that this EP is more of a sampler and a taste of things to come than a standalone EP. And I look forward to them finding more of their own voice and sound. Measly Means is a great debut featuring five excellent songs, but the band does need to step out of the shadows more often and show the world what they really can do. They are an extremely talented trio that is destined to make brilliant music.

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