Veracruz [EP]

The Deep Vibration | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 21, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP
• Label: Dualtone Music Group
• ASIN: B001EOQU82
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #230,623 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Tight band, uninspired vox, August 24, 2010

By 

wisertime - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Veracruz (Audio CD)

Heard the title track on Pandora and thought it was good - musically. Hopefully, the song writing and voice will mature as the writer matures - as it seems to be plagiarizing the wit of the likes of other well established and popular musicians. But then again that's my opinion.

4.0 out of 5 stars Veracruz Review from The Milk Carton, December 18, 2008

By 

A. Keil - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Veracruz (Audio CD)

In today's convoluted rock scene, it seems that either artists attempt a throwback sound influenced by the classics (Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan) or they dive into the uncharted waters of music that will turn into the genres of tomorrow (Animal Collective.) In both cases, not many can pull it off (Black Lips) and even fewer can pull it off well (Black Keys.) The Deep Vibration is no exception to that rule; they're a bluesy four-piece rock band searching for that elusive throwback sound. That said, it's obvious that these guys are influenced by the classics. However, the sound seems to fall right into their lap and they achieve it without coming across as trying to hard or simply imitating (Panic At The Disco.)

The quavering vocals offered by lead singer, Matt Campbell, are sung through a Shure SM-57 microphone and they parallel a toddler learning to walk; strong and confident one minute while beat down and broken the next. The SM-57 is typically used to mic drums and makes for an odd choice as a vocal mic. That could explain the shudder that's ever present in his vocals. More often than not, Campbell sings in a voice still struggling for balance. He sounds best in parts the first track, "Oklahoma City Woman Blues," where he sings without hesitation. The second track, "Third Day of July" slows the strut established by the first song and feels like it's a little too soon. Unfortunately, the slower pace defines the rest of the EP. "Thanks To You" attempts to revive the stride that "Third Day of July" killed. And, while they don't completely regain their swagger, the addition of a horn section sets it apart from the rest making it one of my favorites. Alternatively, on "Tennessee Rose," the longest and slowest track on the record, his voice comes across soft and thankfully without the quaver. For this one, the guys unleash a harmonica that introduces some odd vocal harmonies provided by country singer Gillian Welch. I'm not quite sure they fit together but on an LP, I'm sure they'll tighten them up.

Niko Bolas who recorded the EP has also produced for Neil Young and more recently, My Morning Jacket. That could explain the similarity between "Oklahoma City Woman Blues" and Neil Young's "Down By The River" (the Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young version is better.) Recorded in several live takes straight to 1-inch 8-track tape, the analog just adds to the nostalgic vibe. If you listen close or crank the volume, you'll hear that distinct sound of analog, the way music should be recorded.

EP's are usually put out for several reasons: the band can't afford to record and press an LP, the band doesn't have enough material for an entire record, or the band wants to find/experiment with their sound. My hope is that The Deep Vibration are just trying to find their sound by throwing five tracks at the wall and figuring out which ones stick. For me, those songs have to be "Oklahoma City Woman Blues" and "Thanks To You." With some work, "Tennessee Rose" could be a favorite but it needs something more than a harmonica and loose vocals thrown in by a gorgeous country singer...remember we can't see her while we're listening. Whenever they decide to release a full-length, I hope they lean in the direction of their more upbeat songs and more horns wouldn't be such a bad thing either.

Grade: B-

http://www.thedeepvibration.com/
http://myspace.com/thedeepvibration

Track Listing:
1.Oklahoma City Woman Blues (Veracruz)
2.Third Day of July
3.Thanks To You
4.Mississippi Women
5.Tennessee Rose

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Debut, January 18, 2009

By 

Tito "Tito" (Double Inn Cedar IA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Veracruz (Audio CD)

Along the lines of Lucero, Drag The River and Slobber Bone.

If you find yourself playing these bands over and over, you will love this! Great price. "Oklahoma City Blues" kicks it off and you just want your old buddy Jim Beam to take his cap off and start the party. "Third Day of July" slows down and falls into the melancholy; it lulls you into nodding along with the song when the shriek of the harmonica pulls you back from the edge of the abyss. "Thanks to you" is hilarious. It is an Ode (of sorts). This one really made me giggle. It is the parting words when you attempt to reclaim your dignity and realize this will never happen. "Mississippi Woman" is when you again need to call your brother Jim over. It is after she left you and you are looking from afar at the honey you will never taste again. "Tennessee Rose" is haunting and follows the lost love theme with the lyrics "I'm always thinking of you" whispering to your subconscious. First time I heard it I thought it was ok. Now, I can't get it out of my head; the songs are great and the twang of the harmonica seals the deal. My only complaint . . . where is the full album?