LOS ANGELES (Playtyme Records) - It's not quite the mantra that Uncle Ben bore into
Peter Parker as he underwent his metamorphous into Spiderman, but we'll allow Vaeda a little room for creative license as they reveal their band mantra. Any number of goofy parallels can be applied, but the simple fact of the matter is, the members of Vaeda don't take their opportunity to be musicians lightly. "I've always felt, as an individual, that I have been given so much, yet have never felt deserving of it," says singer/guitarist Ian Cole. "I think it reminds me to try and give of myself and give back to those who have given to me."
Vaeda-Ian Cole (guitar/vocals), Aristotle Dreher (bass), Oliver Williams (drums)—will give plenty back when their STATE OF NATURE debut album drops August 22 on Playtyme Records (with distribution via ADA).
While their music bridges the sonic gap between the power and absolution of progressive rock and the contemporary realm of pop-punk, the results do so in a manner that is fresh and spirited, dynamic and animated. Much like the band. "I think we blend punk and progressive very well, and we do it with three people," says Cole. "We love throwing curveballs on the first pitch, and we're not afraid of leading the listener astray, messing up the rhythm of their headbanging."
Their music may lead the listeners astray, but they invariably find their way back to the band, who were the No. 1 unsigned band on MySpace in Sept./Oct. 2005 based on song plays on the band's homepage (and who currently have over 105,000 MySpace friends).
STATE OF NATURE shines on two fronts: first as a collection of individually dynamic songs, and second as a gripping collective of songs, each playing a part in shaping a multi-faceted listening experience. "All For You" is purely pop, featuring melodic choruses and pining music that could seamlessly co-exist on the landscape of modern rock radio. But Vaeda aren't your little brother's radio-friendly band. Drawing from an amalgam of influences that range from Nirvana and Tool to Living Colour and Pennywise, each plays a part in the evolution of the band's sound.
The album's first single, "Battle Song," has guitar parts that ring with the melodic shimmer of progressive metal, while the rhythm section similarly does its part in elevating the track to anthemic heights. "Jesus Rides the Subway" is meaty in the middle with an eerie ambience melted over the top, "1.25" offers a more emotive missive, "Imperial" pays homage to Maynard Keenan's ethereal vocals and Tool's textured depths, and "Kneejerk" rolls the divergent paths into a tightly-wound bundle of energy that sizzles and sparks with hyperactivity.
"We're three everyday dudes from New York," says Oliver. "We eat, sleep and bitch just like everyone else. We've had personnel changes, we've had our hearts broken, we've hit the road and, of course, we've had our chances to quit. But the power of rock compels us, and we've finally been given the opportunity to channel these things and present them to an audience."
Dreher brings it full-circle, once again: "The bands we enjoyed growing up gave us more than just music, they gave us the inspiration to be great…and with great rock comes great responsibility."
In touring news, VAEDA has launched a U.S. tour to start the STATE OF NATURE buzz with more dates being added in the weeks and months to come. Check them out at any of the following tour stops:
DATE CITY VENUE
Sat 7/8 Wilmington, NC Lucky's
Mon 7/10 Fayetteville, NC Huske Hardware
Tue 7/11 Raleigh, NC The Brewery
Wed 7/12 Fredericksburg, VA The Loft
Fri 7/14 Columbia, PA Chucky Bs
Sat 7/15 Pittsburgh, PA Club Cafe
Sun 7/16 Columbus, OH Ruby Tuesdays
Wed 7/19 Bowling Green, OH Howard's Club H
Thu 7/20 Westland, MI Token Lounge
Tue 7/25 Cincinnati, OH Poison Room
Wed 7/26 Bowling Green, KY Darkstar Tavern
Thu 7/27 Jonesboro, GA Breakers
Fri 7/28 Augusta, GA The Mission
Mon 7/31 Spartanburg, SC Ground Zero
Fri 8/4 New Bern, NC Salty Dawg
Sat 8/5 Kinston, NC Lenoir Co Livestock Fair
