Vega: Grit Your Teeth (Frontiers, 2020)

UK-based melodic rockers Vega are back with a brand new album titled Grit Your Teeth. It’s the band’s sixth full-length release, and this time around the band enlisted The Graves Brothers (Asking Alexandria, Funeral For A Friend) to oversee the recording process. Vega was never content to swim in the small AOR pool, so a more modern approach is a smart decision.

What hasn’t changed is the fact that Vega makes some of the catchiest, most energetic rock n’ roll songs around, and Grit Your Teeth is about as good an example of their killer sound as you’re likely to get. Their previous album (2017’s Only Human) was really solid, but Grit Your Teeth is on par with Who We Are, which is arguably their best release. James and Tom Martin have such a winning songwriting approach, combining massive harmonies with Nick Workman’s unique and soulful vocals and capturing a completely irresistible energy. It makes for a ridiculously fun listening experience.

“Consequence Of Having A Heart” is the best song on the album, and is one of the best melodic rock songs of the year. Like Eclipse/Pretty Maids good. “How We Live” and “(I Don’t Need) Perfection” are highlights as well, but this is an “all-killer, no-filler” kind of album. Each song is well-crafted, perfectly executed and destined to sink into your subconscious.

Vega is a band that never disappoints, and never gets lazy with their sound, and Grit Your Teeth is proof of that. This is top shelf melodic rock, and it captures the spirit and energy of what made the arena rock of the ’80s so much fun without sounding dated. If you’re into bands like Eclipse, H.E.A.T, House Of Lords and Foreigner, this one is a must-have.