THE DEBUT ALBUM

As clichÈ as it may sound, VIVA MAYDAY's self-titled debut has something for almost every musical taste. Incorporating reggae riffs, light-punk undertones and classic rock arrangements, this beat-savvy album spans the musical spectrum. Every soulful track has a conscience; the politically charged messages of social awareness are deftly delivered.

The haunting lyrics of "Hey General," a complex song about the military and its ability to control individual thought, linger long after the last chord is strummed. One can almost picture the boy soldier deferentially questioning authority: "I don't mean to pry, but can you tell me why." And listen closely to Duke's intense bass solo, perhaps the best part of this chilling track.

With "Rife of Cavalries," the trio successfully demonstrates their ability to tell a story song. The song tells the tale of a family who ran to a refugee camp while the father fought in a revolution. The family prayed everyday for his return, though he never did. But the real beauty of the track lies in its other layer, where another story is conveyed, with the universal theme of having to leave a loved one and hoping to one day see them again.

The song "Fidel" is bookended by some magnificent Hendrix-influenced guitar playing. The kinetic energy is the reason both Duke and Gian list this as their favorite VIVA MAYDAY track to perform live. Be sure to listen closely to the lyrics behind those driving beats.

What started out as a poem about Omaha beach and D-Day, evolved into a song about Guantanamo. The well-crafted track with the ambitious lyrics never becomes preachy or overbearing. "It's probably our most well put together song," Duke says, "Every section of it has this great presence, from the riff to the chanting at the end. It feels incredibly powerful."

"But be careful to what you say, for your time is not served, oh the hangman's tree awaits for your final words" sings Jafe in "Set them Free." This powerful indictment of the world's reaction to the genocide in West Papua, Indonesia resonates from beginning to end. And what an ending! Gian and Duke provide Dada-like background vocals as Jafe chants, "Don't let them die. All alone."

"IRC" and "Coup d'Etat" are the most aggressive tracks on the album. In the reggae-punk "IRC," one can clearly hear the influences of the Clash as well as the Rolling Stones. And there's a Rage Against the Machine sensibility to the stormy and chaotic "Coup d'Etat." Gian's frenetic drum-playing provides the perfect foundation for this song about the unrest in Venezuela and the attempted overthrow of Hugo Chavez. Be sure to listen to the entire track. At the end, there's a dramatic tempo-shift, and Jafe laments, "Here now lays a beautiful country that I once lead. It's nothing new to me. It's nothing new to you."

The anti-establishment "Missionaries" draws heavily from Bob Marley, and Jafe's vocals have a Peter Tosh-like Reggae lilt. Because of its audience-friendly nature, the track is the lead vocalist's favorite song to perform live. "I love incorporating the crowd with a call and response," he says.

Two other tracks also share the anti-government theme. "Warhorses " focuses on the anti-American feelings created during the Bush era, while "1963 Motorcade" uses the Kennedy assassination as the springboard for a song about conspiracy theories.

The trio shifts gears for "We Will All," a song about personal wars as opposed to political and civil ones. The track offers words of encouragement to survivors of domestic violence, but after listening to the refrain over and over, one can't help but wonder if the positive message is actually for the masses.

Won't you hold your own today?
For we will all find a way
Won't you hold your own today?
For we will all find a way
So won't you keep your head up child?
For we will all find a way
And if you don't seek the day then know
We will all find a way.

Like all up and coming bands, the boys of VIVA MAYDAY have big dreams. But they're also realistic. All three recognize that their dreams won't be realized without a lot more hard work, effort and sacrifice.

2008 is about spreading the VIVA MAYDAY sound. All three want to get the word out and create a buzz. Each are willing to play as many shows as possible – music festivals, battle of the bands, and college gigs. Once the album drops, they're hoping to play a college tour by the fall.

When it comes to playing live, the trio realizes they have a leg up on the competition. For a couple years already, they have been cutting their teeth at some of the most legendary nightclubs in Greenwich Village. They've performed sets at Lion's Den, Arlene's Grocery, and Don Hill's.

That's why in a few years – maybe less – VIVA MAYDAY sees themselves on stage in Asbury Park at the Stone Pony. And that's why they see themselves on stage at Madison Square Garden.

by: Phil Bildner