Creating original music should be an experience. Listening to an album should be an experience as well. In our current singles-happy society the art of the album is being lost. There is nothing better than a concept album with a real story. Our new friends from The Vrbs have provided just that with their new self-titled Double LP.
The San Francisco area based band got their start in late 2019 when former Audiobender bandmates Jared Richard (guitars, vocals) and Paul Cingolani (bass) joined forces with former Weapon Eleven percussionist Jeff Ham to craft a whole new sound. Together as The Vrbs they expand the alternative rock sound with elements of industrial, groove, prog rock, and even pop rock.
On June 2nd The Vrbs released their epic self-titled album, The Vrbs. It is a double LP with two distinct sides. The White Album and The Black Album are a perfect example of the duality of all of our lives.
As the record starts with “Take Me Home” we get a taste of the peppy high energy sound of The Vrbs. A steady drum beat punctuated with wailing guitars and vocals delivered in a happy style, even if the lyrics are a little dark. The grinding guitars of “New Drug” lay down a super catchy melody as the peppy punk rock energy exudes from the track. Heads will bop along.
The Vrbs are ‘Without You’
Bass takes the lead on “Without You” as additional pieces come in to fill out the full soundscape. The vocal harmonies welcome all listeners in to sing along. A true party as it seems things are starting to turn downwards for our protagonist. Another fun bassline hits on “Scream For Me.”
“Under The Sea” ends the first half of the album. A darker tone is felt throughout the song’s rises and falls. Emotion is felt as we seem to hear the demise of the main character. The vocal performance of Jared Richard here is perhaps his best of the record. Great range while drawing us all into the story.
The Black part of the album officially starts with “Gravity.” The shift is not subtle. The full tone changes as a dark cloud creeps in with the rebirth of our hero. The metal influence can be felt. “Closer” continues this with a bass tone that just fits the mood perfectly.
‘Blow It Up’ With The Verbs
Some punk rock energy returns on “Blow It Up” but the happy go lucky vibe of the first half of the record is long gone. Another toe tapper but with possibly evil intentions. The pace slows down drastically for “Run” but the darkness remains. Something is building and the warning has been issued.
The double LP closes with “Down The Mountain,” an epic track that shows off all the talent of the band members at almost 9 minutes long. We are coming full circle and putting all the pieces together for an end of acceptance. There is a lot to pull apart here but we feel there is peace for all involved as we get to walk away from the record with an overall good feeling of moving forward in a renewed life and death.
Keep up with wherever The Vrbs will take you next HERE.
