Alternative Rock
2002
While something of a one-hit wonder, this Australian trio are notable for briefly bringing grunge crashing back into the charts.
The Vines sounded refreshingly discordant at a time when their contemporaries were focused on putting out meticulously studied tribute albums. That's not to say Highly Evolved is particularly original. The fingerprints of Geffen-era Sonic Youth and Nirvana are all over this, from Craig Nicholls' ragged vocals and the speedy riffs buzzing with amp feedback.
The distorted squall of their 100mph singles 'Get Free' and 'Outtathaway' still hit hard, while tracks like 'Factory' revel in bright psychedelic pop that reveals the band's more playful side.
