CD Review: VHS or Beta's "Bring on the Comets"

Louisville's VHS or Beta releases their latest CD Bring on the Comets on Tuesday, August 28th. I had the good fortune to snag a pre-release of the disc and get an early listen.

Much like the band's first full-length Night on Fire deviated from their self-released EP Le Funk, their latest offering is considerably different from either of the previous two.

VHS or Beta teases you with the 1-minute opener "Euglama" -- giving you a taste of Le Funk and Night on Fire -- only to reveal that it's all just a tease as it fades into oblivion, the sound never to be heard on Bring on the Comets again. Don't get me wrong -- the CD has definite shades of VHS or Beta, but its deviation is dramatic enough that it may turn off current fans of the band who may be expecting more of the same.

I won't go on to comment on all the songs -- most have a difficult time standing out, not at all helped by Craig Pfunder's bland vocals -- but I will single out two that I think may hold their own.

First, the single "Can't Believe a Single Word." A snappy tune that sounds like it should be sung by The Archies -- complete with an animated Betty chinging along on her Filmation tambourine. I like this song and I hope it goes somewhere. It has an original edge to it and I'm glad that it's getting radio airplay (at least here in Columbus).

The other song is the one immediately following: "Burn It All Down." On an initial listening, it's lyrically disturbing, but musically simple, straightforward, and possibly the most similar to their previous CD. Sounding much like a progressive early-90's B-side throwback, the song catches on and becomes a standout.

Ultimately though, Bring on the Comets comes off as VHS or Beta's attempt at the mainstream and, in so doing, the band's uniqueness is lost.

If you've had the opportunity to hear the CD yourself and have another opinion, leave a comment! I'd be interested in hearing what others have to say about this new release.

CD101 SummerFest Featuring Silversun Pickups, VHS or Beta, The Cliks & Seawolf

The weather was perfect for the CD101 SummerFest yesterday at The LC. For me, the alternative music lineup was highlighted by VHS or Beta and (surprisingly) The Cliks.

I didn't expect to like The Cliks. Sure, their radio hit "Oh, yeah" is a good song, but nothing to necessarily write a blog entry about. However, I met the band earlier in the day when they did a somewhat acoustic set in the CD101 Big Room. Lead singer Lucas was not only really nice (and had plenty of good things to say about our fair city), but his voice was really amazing. It has a clarity that demands your attention and a flow that he attaches so well to the music that you can't imagine the two apart. Now a transgender, Lucas still sounds very much like the Lillia of days past, with an angry-woman edge that at the same time transcends the cliche. Although not all of their songs are great -- and I have yet to hear all of the songs from their latest CD -- their live show allowed you to overlook that, with their unending energy and keen musicianship. If you like The Cliks, be sure to catch them live -- you won't be disappointed.

But I was primarily at SummerFest to get a chance to see VHS or Beta and hear some new tunes from their upcoming CD Bring on the Comets (out August 28). I was a big fan of Night On Fire when it was released back in 2004, impressed with how they so effortlessly mixed electronica, rock, and pop into a distinctly alternative sound.

The band's sound was a bit off during their SummerFest set -- they seemed to have some minor technical difficulties -- but they overcame that and put on a good show. They're not the most lively band in the world. No wild antics or overexpended energy. But what the band lacked, the crowd made up for. Dancing during nearly the entire set, the audience was definitely into the new sound and the new songs of VHS or Beta. If this was any indication, their newest CD may well be a breakout seller.

I didn't get a chance to see Seawolf or Silversun Pickups at the show, but that's okay -- I had the opportunity to catch them in the Big Room earlier in the day.