Rock/Review Mark Vennis & Different Place - Small Town Vampire

Mark Vennis & Different Place are a punk rock roots band from Petersfield, Hampshire. They play original songs written by Mark from an eclectic set of influences, including The Clash, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, and Paul Weller. The core members are Mark Vennis on guitar and vocals; Sean Quinn on guitar and percussion; Dave Sweetenham on bass; and Brian Gee on drums.

Mark Vennis & Different Place's fourth album, "Small Town Vampire," is a bold declaration against the stifling confines of life in Little England. With a short, sharp shock of a mini-album, they deliver an unapologetic ode to non-conformity and the irresistible allure of the big city.

Through a collection of powerful songs, Mark Vennis & Different Place explore themes of escape, rebellion, and the eternal struggle against the myopic cultural life of small-town existence. "Small Town Vampire" is a rallying cry for those who refuse to accept that their current circumstances are the best they can achieve. Instead, it celebrates the longing for something more, the pull of the city lights, and the desire to break free from the confines of conformity.

The album's title track encapsulates these sentiments perfectly, pushing back against the suffocating attitude of "big fish, small pond" mentality. With a tough new wave outer shell, Mark Vennis & Different Place deliver their message with raw energy and unbridled passion. Yet, beneath the surface, there lies a tender vulnerability, a reminder that even the most rebellious souls crave connection and understanding.

"Small Town Vampire" is a defiant declaration against the norms, an appeal to arms for those who dare to dream outside the limits of their upbringing. The album is an unapologetic soundtrack for anyone who has ever felt like a misfit. It is a reminder that the only real freedom comes from accepting who you are and embracing your journey to self-discovery.

In summary, "Small Town Vampire" by Mark Vennis & Different Place is a compelling ode to the strength of human spirit and freedom as an inseparable part of being. The record’s bright tone and vivid lyrics offer a call to the audience members who are encouraged to become rebels in their own right by braving life outside of small-town limitations.