Start with a Strong and Persistent Desire is the debut album by English alternative rock band Vex Red.

"Itch" was released in 2001, followed by "Can't Smile" in 2002 which reached number 45 in the UK Singles Chart.

Drowned in Sound scored the album highly, reviewer Sajini Wijetilleka had particular praise for "Can't Smile", speaking of the track; "Sequenced-synth loops, emotional vocals and energised guitar swirls give us the excellent ‘Can’t Smile’, the best record that Gavin Rossdale wanted to, but could never ever make.".

Underpinning every spastic roar and raging riff on Vex Red‘s debut is the burning desire to make something enormous, resonant and real.".

[9] The Guardian gave the album 3/5 stars summarizing about the bands potential; " Vex Red take it a step further and become their own men.