Vivian Girls

(In the Red)

If Vivian Girls’ debut sounds familiar, it’s because the holy trinity of echo, reverb, and jangle is experiencing a resurgence. The Girls’ saving grace here is brevity, much like their forefathers the Ramones. The NYC trio’s debut, reissued last year on garage rock stable In the Red, is under 30 minutes, so it’s easier to focus on the thrilling, three-part harmonies of “Tell the World”; the lilting, almost surf-rock-roll of “Such a Joke”; and the thick drum ‘n’ bass thump of “Where Do You Run To?” Most of the album reads like a lovesick diary, if you can decipher singer/guitarist Cassie Ramone’s lyrics, but the girl groups of the 1960s were all about one thing: the sound. Though derivative of countless bands, Vivian Girls succeed in paring hazy nostalgia with big noise. It’s simple and sounds good. (Thu., Aces Lounge, 9pm.)

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This article appears in March 20 • 2009.

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