A little bit country and a little bit rock n' roll has always been one way to describe the music of Virginia Coalition. Well, wave goodbye to the country and say hello to rock n' roll. Oh, and don't forget the funk.
VACO, as they are called by fans, has always rocked, but never quite as they do on OK to GO, their fourth album. Always a hodgepodge of genres, this latest CD showcases their versatility while focusing more on the rock and funk elements of their sound. Not necessarily a purer sound, it definitely has the feeling of a skillfully produced album, especially in its superb mixing.
It is the first album, however, for VACO 2.0, as fans have come to call the quartet since the departure of former co-frontman Steve Dawson. Dawson left the band last year to spend more time with family. With his absence, the band has lost much of its country twang but gained a firmer rock edge.
The CD compounds the internal conflict of sorts felt by fans of Virginia Coalition. Proud of VACO, they've always wanted more than anything to see their band blow up on the national scene. Yet, at the same time, like any lover, they harbor a secret, greedy desire to keep the band as their own, as the fun-loving, energetic live musicians they've grown to love who are always willing to hang out after a show.
The quartet is now fronted by Andy Poliakoff, a job he used to share with Dawson. Poliakoff's voice sounds the best that it ever has, reflecting a year of hard work perfecting his instrument. Always the bigger personality of the two, he fills the void left by Dawson and does the job of two men with ease. Poliakoff is joined by drummer John (JP) Patrick, keyboard player, bassist, and percussionist Paul Ottinger, and bassist/guitar player Jarrett Nicolay.
Uniquely, all four sing. All four write, creating the eclectic mix that is a VACO album. All four play almost every instrument, frequently switching throughout the album and their live shows.
Released Sept. 21, with 11 songs plus one hidden track, "OK to GO" is shorter, but smoother than their last album. The album opens with "Pick Your Poison," the first radio single, bringing with it both the energy and the melody that one expects from these guys. That energy continues into the second song, "Last Goodbye," another radio-friendly number, which is actually one of the best on the album.
"Walk to Work," a re-recorded song originally appeared on "Rock & Roll Party," the band's third album. The new version takes some getting used to as it lacks its characteristic drum beats in the very beginning. It does, however, feature some new lyrics which will encourage even more crowd participation during the live show and a brand new drumline throughout.
The other re-recorded song on the album is "Come and Go," a mellower tune also from "Rock & Roll Party." The song also features a new verse, sung by Poliakoff, in what is probably his best lyrical moment on the album.
Other standouts include "Bumpin' Fresh," a funny tune about the seventh grade that makes you want to get up and dance, "Voyager II," a slower, more melodic song which features some of Poliakoff's classically clever lyrics, and "Places People," which ends the album on a highly-danceable note.
Or does it? Be sure to stick around for the hidden track, a cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity," which is at once hilarious and perfectly fitting for this eclectic band. The cover has always been a crowd-favorite at their live shows.
Overall, the album is the polished CD that may just carry the band, which has experienced wide support on a grassroots and college campus level, into wider national popularity. Most of the songs are peppy and danceable but all have a subtle depth which attests to the skilled songwriting.
But, make no mistake, their addictive live show is the tool that will carry them from their East Coast roots to the rest of the country. VACO played the Concert Board's Fall Rock Show in 2002, but for those who have never seen VACO live, you have a chance tonight. The band is coming to the Paradise Rock Club on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston tonight as a part of their CD Release Tour.
Be on the look out for a random salsa breakdown and flying drumsticks - Paul's plays the keyboard and cowbells like the most musically-talented ADHD child you have ever met. A live VACO show is something one must experience for oneself. So go. Tonight.
Rhode Island Band Zox will open for VACO tonight at the Paradise. Tickets are $10 at the door. Doors open at 7pm.
