Album Review: Vahland by Four Lions – A Rootsy, Rockin’ Ride Down Under
Let’s cut to the chase: Vahland by Four Lions is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t hit you over the head with flashy gimmicks or overly polished production—it just feels damn real. Released in 2016 outta Australia, this record straddles genres like a musical tightrope walker, blending country rock grit with classic rock swagger and pop sensibilities. And honestly? That mix works better than it has any right to.
The band—Shann Lions (vocals, guitars, keys), Keith MacQueen (guitars galore), Greg Perry (bass), Gavan Moncrieff (drums, tambourine, cabasa), Stephen Briggs (keys), Rowan Blackmore (accordion), and David Moore (pedal steel)—bring their A-game here. Produced by Four Lions themselves, it’s got a raw yet refined vibe, thanks to Alex Bennett handling recording and mixing duties. Mastering wizard Ludwing Diaz puts the cherry on top. The whole thing feels alive, like they’re playing right there in your living room—or maybe around a campfire somewhere dusty and far away.
Now, let’s talk tracks. There are some bangers on this album, but two stand out for me: “You’ve Ruined All My Favourite Songs” and “Tonight (Fade Away).”
First off, “You’ve Ruined All My Favourite Songs.” What a killer title, right? This tune hits hard because we’ve all been there—when someone turns something you love into something painful. Shann Lions’ vocals have this raspy, lived-in quality that makes every word feel personal. The pedal steel from David Moore adds a haunting twang, while Keith MacQueen’s slide guitar wails like a ghost stuck between worlds. It’s catchy as hell but also kinda heartbreakingly relatable. By the second chorus, I was singing along even though I’d only heard it once. That’s how hooks work when done right.
Then there’s “Tonight (Fade Away).” Man, this one feels cinematic. It starts slow, almost dreamy, with shimmering synth tones and an upright piano melody that sounds like moonlight reflecting off water. But don’t get too comfy—the song builds into this anthemic crescendo, full of electric guitar riffs and pounding drums. It’s the kind of track that could soundtrack a road trip through empty desert highways or a late-night existential crisis. Either way, it sticks with you. Like, days later, I found myself humming bits of it while washing dishes. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but hey, isn’t that what great music does?
One quirky detail worth mentioning: the credits list both “Bones of Ash” and “Nothing Land” twice. Maybe it’s a typo, or maybe it’s intentional—who knows? Feels symbolic somehow, like life repeating itself until you figure it out. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it after listening to this album on repeat.
Anyway, wrapping this up… Here’s the deal. Vahland isn’t gonna blow up TikTok or dominate Spotify playlists anytime soon, and that’s okay. It’s the type of album that grows on you slowly, like moss on a tree trunk. You listen once, shrug, then listen again and suddenly realize you can’t stop hitting replay. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, Four Lions remind us that sometimes patience pays off.
Oh, and fun fact: did anyone else notice how many instruments these guys play? Seriously, Shann Lions alone handles vocals, multiple guitars, synths, harp, AND WHISTLE?! Dude must have eight arms hidden under his sleeves.
So yeah, check out Vahland. Just don’t blame me if it ruins your favorite songs…
