German band VIBRAVOID have been around for more than 20 years, and is a name recognized by most people with an interest in psychedelic rock. They have been fairly regular contributors to the output of UK label Fruits de Mer Records over the years, and this time around they have taken on Vibravoid’s classic anthem In-a-Gadda-da-Vida, released as a 7 inch vinyl single with one half of the song on each side.
In-a-Gadda-da-Vida is one of those songs there’s really no reason to release a cover version of. Just about anyone with an interest in rock music know the song, or at least selected parts of it, by heart, and it’s not like it’s hard to track it down either. Still, if one artist was going to do it then Vibravoid is a good choice. I understand that this track has been a part of their live set for quite some time by now, and due to that they will at least have fans interested in their take on this classic composition as a studio recording as well.
Their take on this classic track is one that, as I experience it, appears as controlled. Rather more so than the original but also controlled on a general level. The steady beats suits the landscapes perfectly, the circulating bass is nice and visible in the mix, and the organ and guitars are given fairly even roles here, which was a tad surprising. The vocals are rather calm and controlled as well, and unless my memory fails me a notch or two better in quality than on Iron Butterfly’s original in terms of tone and pitch control. As the song is split into a first and second half, the obvious manner in which to do so is by doing it in a drum solo, which is the case here. Nicely and creatively done, and in a fairly entertaining drum solo too, even if perhaps a bit on the long side for some.
While there’s really no reason to get a cover version of this song, if you do have the desire to get one then Vibravoid’ stake on this classic is a finely executed specimen. Solid and controlled through and through, and perhaps rather less bombastic than what you’d expect a take on this classic track might sound like at that.
My rating: 80/100
