Customer Reviews

Una Volta

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

DeVotchKa is a local indie-alt-rock band that deserves a wider audience. I first experienced DeVotchKa when front man, Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, trumpet), opened for Todd Rundgren at the Boulder Theater earlier this year, and again on Halloween night, when the full band (dressed as gypsies), including Jeanie Schroder (tuba, upright bass), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion, organ, toy piano), Shawn King (drums, percussion, trumpet, vibes), and Urata electrified the Boulder Theater with its Eastern-European bohemian music. This could be the best indie band you've never heard, and it's unlikely you have another cd in your collection that sounds like this one. Stand out tracks include "Oblivion," "Queen of the Surface Streets," "Vengo! Vengo!," and "Ocean of Lust." Haunting and passionate, this cd is highly recommended.

G. Merritt

Some of the finest and most original music I have heard. Next to seeing them live, this is the best. Got the CD last week and it has not left my player yet. Can't classify this music, everything from Tubas to Spagetti-Western style guitar licks. And one of the finest singers on the planet.

Every time I get a new DeVotchKa album, it's all I listen to for, well, long enough to drive my husband crazy. This is actually the last one I ended up buying, and I'm glad I finally did. It's as amazing as the others. As gorgeous, grand, dramatic and romantic as How It Ends. The Oblivion and One Last Vow are both beautiful songs. And there are plenty of songs to clap your hands to as well. Their music is so layered and complex, and just speaking to my own tastes, I think Nick Urata has one of the best voices I've heard. DeVotchKa is probably the most eclectic and evocative band in my collection.

If you like creative, vibrant and all around amazing music then run to buy this.

despite the crooked fingers apologists comments, this is a group of musicians who play an incredibly fun show and get people moving. How can anyone think all of their songs sound the same? It would be akin to saying all Radiohead sounds the same or neutral milk hotel are wieners. Do yourself a favor and listen to it, better yet, go to one of their live shows, then judge for yourself.

Una Volta is less lively than the album succceding it , How It Ends, however is nonetheless an intense album worthy of listening to. Infused with a gloominess overwhelming welcomed, this album is bound to be cherished. Great songs include: the oblivion, ocean of lust, queen of the surface streets...just to name a few.
Highly recommended.

This is easily DeVotchka's best album, though SeuperMelodrama and How it Ends are outstanding as well. Una Volta is certainly the gypsy-est of them. Its sounds range from Ukranian folk dance to mariachi, all under Nick Urata's crooning wail. The lyrics are usually about romance or lost love, but never get boring. The songs can be incredibly sad, happy, or a mixture of both. It's best to listen to the CD from start to finish to fully appreciate it.
I highly recommend this album to anyone who likes indie or just music really far off the beaten path.

Queen of the Surface Streets in one of the loveliest love songs ever. I can listen to this CD and drive forever. Plus it's fun to add to a part mix. I think you will like it.

These folks are deserving of much more mainstream recognition. Their live shows thrill the crowds. The talent is deep here, and the music indefinable (...but I'll try). Nick Urata has a beautiful voice, he's an accomplished crooner. The song styles are widely varied, beyond genrefication really, and showcase the musicians many talents on violin, accordion, upright bass, trumpets, drums, guitar, etc. Imagine modern gypsy rock meets chamber music... for a start. Una Volta has several tunes that simply make you happy to be alive... "Queen of the surface streets" & "Ocean of lust" are ready for radio. If you like U2/ The Pogues/ & Coldplay, this band is for you.

Buy it! Whenever I play this for friends, they swoon. I do too, and have considered buying a Sousaphone because of them. Saw 'em play for a touring burlesque show and have been in love ever since.