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VHS or Beta Swarming to the stage in rock star attire and rock star skinniness, the Duck Room clearly couldn’t contain super pop rockers VHS or Beta. Fairly packed with fans, VHS or Beta’s music and live show are clearly designed for over-the-top bombastic outings; stadiums, arenas, and outdoor events. And by their performance it’s possibly more shocking that the band is currently nearing such popularity; but that may all change soon. Surprisingly out of Louisville, Kentucky, VHS or Beta mix elements of pop rock, dance punk, and French funk into a product that’s addictingly appealing, enough to shake even the most curmudgeon. Though mostly existing as the trio of guitarist/vocalist Craig Pfunder, bassist Mark Palgy, and drummer Mark Guirdy, the band is rounded out by multi-instrumentalist Chea Beckley and guitarist Mike McGill on tour. One of the more startling elements of VHS or Beta is how incredibly powerful Pfunder’s vocals are live since his uber-skinniness appears like it would wither his intensity. Instead, it seems only to intensify the songs. Focusing a great deal of the dozen or so songs on their forthcoming Bring on the Comets (out on August 28th, 2007 on Astralwerks), VHS or Beta rocked enough older songs to keep the devotees content while delivering on the promise of a phenomenal record. At the top of the list of the new material are the two songs that the band is featuring on their site – “Can’t Believe a Single Word” and “Burn It All Down.” “Can’t Believe a Single Word” is the first single off Bring on the Comets and is a rocker of utmost awesomeness; “Burn It All Down’s” appeal comes from French electro opening that travels on funk bass. Given that I didn’t have an advance on the new record, I only know for sure of one other song that VHS or Beta belted out, and closed with, the terrific title-track “Bring on the Comets.” The combination of VHS or Beta’s live show and a potentially killer full-length should have the band flying high during this next year.
copyright exoduster.com 2007 |
