My Vitriol are a London alternative rock band formed in 1998 by Sri Lankan-born frontman Som Wardner and drummer Ravi Kesavaram, who met as students at UCL. Their 2001 debut Finelines — a squall of shoegaze fuzz, power-pop hooks and grunge muscle — landed three UK Top 40 singles and helped kick off the movement the press dubbed nu gaze. They've drawn comparisons to My Bloody Valentine, the Smashing Pumpkins and Foo Fighters ever since.
Ever have one of those records that just won't quit? I'll never forget being a 16ish year old hearing My Vitriol's "Finelines" for the first time. The album had already been out for a few years and I was barely discovering the term shoegaze, but the second the album kicks off I knew it was something special.
"Finelines" stands out as one of the greatest albums of all time because it retains its freshness, and never fails to surprise me. The songs are profound, the album is extensive, and it contains a mix of tranquility and intensity.
It's hard to pick my favorite track on Finelines... because it changes every time; I've literally been listening to this album for over 25 years. Every time I put it on, I feel like it's the first time. If you haven't heard of this band, I'd say I feel sorry for you. But it's quite the opposite. I wish I was you, hearing "Finelines" for the first time.
My Vitriol were a band who disappeared way, way too quickly. I will never regret the opportunity I had, albeit difficult, to see them in 2023 when they reunited. Their Secret Sessions EP is beyond incredible and gave me so much hope in 2017. But, today, I live with the defeated sense that this band simply won't return. I guess the one masterpiece album and a bunch of insanely brilliant B-sides will have to do.
Key tracks: "Grounded", "Losing Touch"
