Posts Tagged ‘Vanaprasta’
Vanaprasta: Minnesota
You should know by now that I’m quite fond of local rock quintet Vanaprasta. Not only does their lead vocalist have an amazing range many rockers out in LA are lacking but not many other bands are currently sweeping me up in spiraling guitar riffs as they do.
For the most part, when there are two guitarists in a band, one serves the purpose of rhythmic foundation in addition to the drums and the other serves as the lead where specific melodies stand out on top of the arrangement (shredding, chorus riff, etc.). However, the two guitarists in Vanaprasta go beyond satisfying my approval for dueling guitars. There isn’t one leader in all songs. Instead, your ear is constantly experiencing the cocktail effect – especially during a live set of theirs – as you never know which guitar is going to take on the trademark riff in each song.
They do an exceptional job at maintaining a powerful drive in their songs. While many rock bands are all about the typical, cheesy build up, the rest of the song usually doesn’t justify that build up… which unfortunately yields the result in which I don’t finish listening to it. I can say that Vanaprasta has made a fan out of me merely based on the fact that they’re very smart when it comes to constructing their song arrangements.
Check out their latest song, “Minnesota.” It’s off their upcoming full-length, Healthy Geometry. I had the pleasure of hearing the album ahead of time and it’s incredible. With my willingness to take this post to the level of fan girl status, I will proudly say that I cannot wait for it to officially be released!
Vanaprasta: All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem cover)
Although I’ve gotten to know the boys of Vanaprasta pretty well after spending 2 days in a van (which they call Scream 3) on the way to and back from SXSW this year, nothing really stops me from wanting to constantly cover these guys when they have so much credibility.
Their EP, Forming the Shapes, was a nice little teaser but since the release of that collection of songs I’ve been able to hear a few more enticing tunes such as “G Minus” and see them completely rock the Troubadour just last week. Every single member in this band is pivotal to their adrenaline-pumping arena-worthy sound and it’s completely obvious when they play a show. Lead vocalist Steven Wilkin may have grown a massive beard within the last few months but at least he’s got the vocal chops to back that Jim Morrison aesthetic up.
They recently contributed a cover of LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends” to an APLA Benefit album titled Uncovering A Cure with other artists such as Robotanists. Although I’m a fan of LCD Soundsystem’s electronica fusion with indie rock, Vanaprasta’s rendition is a solid and refreshing rock and roll spin on the well-known tune.
Check it out and grab the mp3 from the widget below!
Vanaprasta: Something Better
Five-piece band, Vanaprasta, have steadily been making a name for themselves in Los Angeles and they’re well on their way to releasing their debut album, Healthy Geometry. However, just before unveiling the entire batch, they were smart enough to pluck a few songs out and provide the EP, Forming the Shapes.
Even after one listen, all I can say is wow; there is some major substance here. “Color of Sin” offers a rich folk-rock vibe with thick harmonies while “Healthy Geometry” is flirty with each incoming measure. However, “Something Better” is what really coaxed my senses and made me hit the rewind button. I had to give my ears another chance to dive into the intricate guitar licks and coy melodies that unequivocally united.
Take a listen to “Something Better” below and grab the mp3 if you’re so inclined.
