It may be an emblem of the fleeting early-’00s rock revival, but The Vines’ debut LP is incredibly varied. That’s a testament to the Sydney upstarts’ knack for offsetting their garage-grunge volatility with more evergreen fare, like the Beatlesque “Homesick,” the folky ballad “Autumn Shade,” and the ska-tinged “Factory.” Such variety broadens the appeal of Highly Evolved, even when Craig Nicholls goes full Cobain with gravelly snideness. That said, you’ll still pump a mighty fist to “Get Free” and the super-chewy title track.
- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
- The Von Bondies
- The Dandy Warhols
- Wolfmother
- Foo Fighters
- Red Hot Chili Peppers