Review V.B.O. “Vice Business Only”

The only thing Wild Rose and V.B.O. have in common is vocalist Francesco Cavalieri. Beyond that, the two projects occupy entirely different musical territory.

V.B.O. – short for Vice Business Only – has virtually nothing to do with metal, or even with the melodic hard rock that fans may associate with Wild Rose. That much becomes clear from the opening track, “VBO vs. Vesti la Giubba.” Featuring an operatic performance from Pagliacci, it serves as an unusual introduction that may leave listeners expecting a classical crossover album. Any such expectations are quickly abandoned once the next song begins.

“Bring on the Fire” dives headfirst into glossy, synthesizer-heavy ’80s-inspired pop. There’s little trace of rock or metal here, and while the retro approach is intentional, the songwriting rarely rises above familiar genre conventions. Unfortunately, that becomes a recurring issue throughout the album.

Tracks such as “Waiting for the Dawn” and “Lovers on the Run” rely heavily on polished production but offer few memorable melodies or standout moments. Rather than building momentum, they tend to blend together, making it difficult for the album to establish a distinct identity.

The same applies to “Fire Fire,” which never quite ignites despite its energetic title. The closing cover of Duran Duran’s “Wild Boys” is another example of the album’s mixed results. While the original balances pop appeal with a noticeable rock edge, this version smooths away much of its character beneath layers of synthesizers. Even the metalcore-inspired screams toward the end feel more like an afterthought than a meaningful addition.

Vice Business Only inevitably leaves the listener wondering what its artistic direction is meant to be. There is certainly nothing wrong with musicians exploring ideas outside their main projects, and experimentation often leads to interesting results. In this case, however, the songs rarely develop enough personality to make a lasting impression. The album is professionally produced, but it lacks the memorable hooks, energy, and emotional impact needed to keep listeners fully engaged. Fans of retro synth-pop may find moments to enjoy, but those looking for compelling songwriting – or anything resembling Francesco Cavalieri’s work with Wild Rose – are likely to come away disappointed.