Vee Device – Out Of The Darkness
(Ind.)

Having labelled themselves as “folk-infused chamber-pop”, my interest in the Vee Device was definitely peaked. Although this term seems somewhat non-specific, bands such as The Polyphonic Spree, Sufjan Stevens, and The Danielson Famile are brought to mind — a mix of banjos, cellos and horns that come together as an entire pop orchestra. After listening to their debut album “Out of the Darkness”, I had mixed feelings.

“Out of the Darkness” plays as a concept album, telling the story of the infamous east coast blackout which we all remember so well. I suppose it’s fitting, seeing as the band is made up mostly of instruments that don’t require power to be played. This works for the concept by giving a feeling that the album is being performed by a group of friends during the blackout. Musically, I suppose “folk-infused chamber-pop” is an alright description of the seventeen songs on this album. However, those interested in the pop elements may be dissapointed to find that they’re close to non-existent. About half of the songs found on the album are instrumental numbers, which are definitely the tracks that held my interest. I found it hard to accept the vocals on most of the album. It’s not that the singing is bad, it’s just done in a style that I found didn’t work together with the music. The vocal presence was almost too overwhelming, stepping in front of what I felt was very interesting instrumentation.

Even with the that in mind, it’s hard not to be impressed by how good the album sounds. Cellos, banjos and mandolins are only some of the instruments found on the album, and all are played by people with obvious musical talent and expertise. If only the Vee Device allowed the instruments to carry themselves, because I definitely feel that the music is strong enough to survive without the help of vocals. — Jay C.