Album Review: Vydamo - Becoming Human

Don't expect thumpers like Magic Fountain or Parlez-Vous Francais from Vydamo – the side-project of Art vs Science's Jim Finn – for this is, all-in-all, is his straight up “pop” project that draws heavily from the blatantly infectious melodies, soaring harmonies and the classic song structures heard on records from The Beach Boys and The Beatles. In fact, kudos ought to be slung in Finn's direction for not turning this debut offering into an utter cheese-fest, for more than once can you hear potential for a big Beach Boys, multi-layered harmony outbreak.

You already know the brilliant Gonna Make It, the multi-hooked anthem that's saturated airwaves since November, but it's pretty much on its own here as that big obvious party tune. The rest of Becoming Human is Finn at his most honest; for example, his confessing, “I don't think you're the one” on the beautiful piano-ballad Little Monster is so honest it's almost awkward. Equally beautiful is the album's title track and I See You – these three providing a poignant, stunning, occasional Disney-esque middle to the overall record.

Elsewhere are the radio-ready hooks (Hurricane, Every Now And Then, Bare Feet) and occasionally the oddball – Living In The Sunshine is The Cops meets Regurgitator, while Long Long Day is in possession of a monster guitar-riff and Little Things snatches the synth right from Van Halen's hands.

Becoming Human is a publisher's wet dream and a triumph for the ever-optimistic and incredibly prolific Finn. Don't expect this set of songs to necessarily challenge the musical spectrum as such, but do expect to have a damn good, guilt-free listen to a damn fine pop record.