'THE RUINS' / VISTA: EP REVIEW

October 25, 2019

BY EMMA SCHOORS

VISTA’s The Ruins is a triumphant return that delves deep into the topics of personal grief and loss as a whole.

Having not released a record since 2017, VISTA is back with an EP that’s just harrowing enough when it needs to be in order to properly portray the intense feelings and experiences it’s all about, without feeling overly dramatic or unauthentic. This makes way for a truly personal and passionate listening experience for anybody going through similar themes and troubles in their own lives.

“After Death”, a standout track on the EP, is rightly dark and questioning; a common theme that’s carefully strung throughout the five-track effort. Its lyrics are backed by heavy guitars and cinematic drums which further elevate the vocals. Though the EP is full of vulnerability, a lyric that encapsulates this theme is “I’ve turned into someone I don’t know,” which is echoed in the first verse of the song.

Another standout song is the similarly cinematic “Novocaine”, which resides at the end of the EP as a reflective and passionate track about self-doubt and medication, whatever form that might come in. The ballad-like vocals are contrasted by the once more dark backing instrumentals, which give the song more depth and detail through which to connect to listeners.

For anybody going through a patch of personal darkness, VISTA’s “The Ruins” is the perfect remedy. Meticulous and clean yet at times heavy, the EP is the perfect balance of light and dark.

We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

'EAT (I MUST)' / VISTA: SINGLE REVIEW

April 4, 2019

BY BRE CURA

VISTA, an alternative-rock band from New York, has recently released their new single, “Eat (I Must).” Already racking up over five thousand streams on Spotify since its initial release date on March 29th, it has been very well received by fans. Vulnerable lyrics paired with an amazing backtrack has allowed VISTA to orchestrate a fervently raw piece. Guitarist Greg Almeida is able to utilize his masterful skills on the guitar to provide swelling instrumental support for the song. Singer Hope Vista’s smooth tone allows for an easy listening experience, especially when taking into account the heavy material portrayed within the song. A blend of heavy guitar and a heavy message has allowed the band to enter new territory with their musicality. Opening up about something as personal and somber as an eating disorder is not an easy feat. Providing a new platform for youth around the world to discuss the effects and experiences of eating disorders is one of the biggest benefits of releasing a song such as this. This single will expose VISTA to all new audiences, still incorporating their modern rock vibes, but now integrating a serious message known to many people. If this single is any sign of the willingness of the band to be vulnerable in order to create good music, VISTA’s only direction from here is up.

Catch VISTA on tour:

4/18 - Attleboro, MA - Patterson Creations
4/20 - Summit, NJ - Mondo Summit
4/22 - Buffalo, NY - Stamps
4/23 - Montreal, QC - La Vitrola
4/24 - Long Branch, NJ - Brighton Bar
4/26 - Columbus, NJ - Donatos Basement
4/27 - Philadelphia, PA - Creep Records
4/28 - Amityville, NY - Amityville Music Hall
4/29 - Brooklyn, NY - Gold Sounds

Tickets available here.

Eat (I Must), an album by VISTA on Spotify

'HENCHMEN' / VISTA: SINGLE REVIEW

January 13, 2017

BY ALISSA ARUNARSIRAKUL

Anthem-rock three piece VISTA are back at it again just months after releasing their debut EP, “VERSUS.” These New York natives are ready to take on 2017 with an explosive single titled “Henchmen.” In a recent interview with Legendary Kids Press, Greg Almeida (lead guitar) cites “the typical [bands] to like on Long Island”—such as Taking Back Sunday and Brand New—as major influences of his music style, which is evident in “Henchmen.” Matt Vlossak (drums) describes the new tune as something that “happened naturally and evolved into something bigger than [he] imagined.” Hope Vista (lead vocals) accurately labels the band’s sound as “huge upbeat anthems,” and “Henchmen” is no exception.

This powerful track begins with intriguing guitar sounds and aggressive drumming, reminiscent of All Time Low, and smoothly layers in Hope Vista’s empowering vocals. Vista’s gritty and sharp voice in “Henchmen” has greatly matured since we last heard her in 2016’s “VERSUS.” The harmonies in the chorus are arguably what stands out the most throughout the song, because they flow impeccably with Vista’s defined voice. The infectious guitar riffs by Almeida on this track are impossible to forget and they sound incredibly well put together. Vlossak’s drumming on this song is better than ever, as they really define the hardcore aspect of this band.

Mixing various elements of alternative and punk rock, VISTA has been compared to female-fronted, punk powerhouse Paramore more than a few times. Although the captivating Hope Vista does sound similar to Paramore’s Hayley Williams, it is apparent that VISTA, who are much newer to the music scene, offer a fresher vibe.

VISTA are confirmed to play a sold out show on the night of their single release with Against The Current on their In Our Bones world tour on Friday, January 13th at the Irving Plaza in New York, NY. Their new single “Henchmen” is set to be released at midnight on January 13th.

FIND VISTA ONLINE

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK YOUTUBE