Two singles released. A string of UK tour dates nigh on completion. Tonight saw the Verra Cruz take to the stage one final time before confining themselves to the studio to record their debut album.
Having reviewed "Corner of my mind" only last week, I had been genuinely excited about this single and was all geared up to hear them cut-it live. Second act of the night, the crowd had already been warmed up into something of a mild frenzy by local boys Ariel-X. By the time the Verra Cruz stepped onstage, we'd already sustained a half-hour of sonic exploration. The randomly orchestrated walls of sound of Ariel-X were at odds with the indie-rock of the Verra Cruz. Amidst the sound levels, inextricably pinned to the max and the Tinitus ringing in my ears in the wake of the previous act, it was a struggle to hear Verra Cruz's music. I'm not sure if they'd brought their own soundman along or not. Either way, the sound techie could do with being reminded that greater volume doesn't necessarily equate with greater sound quality.
Twas a shame, as by the second track, the superbly catchy and familiar "Corner of my mind" came rattling through. Vocals sounding even more gravelly but equally delightful as on the single. But he battled to raise his gruff voice over the guitar and the bass was barely audible.
As the set progressed, I'm beginning to think that Verra Cruz are a bit of a "one-trick-pony".
Having seen a new guitar produced for every track, it took me a while to twig what was happening as the mic was readjusted and the front man sat down half way through his set. But suddenly, the hillbilly twangs of a slide guitar comes ambling over the PA. What a contrast to the sound they'd established thus far and a thoroughly welcome surprise.
Although the other songs were all much of a muchness, they are nonetheless a good solid style of music. Indie-rock guitar, vocals that are totally in homage to the Kings of Leon and consequently a sound that is wholly NOW.
But this slide guitar...it took the whole performance down a gear or two and the act was all the better for it. The scaled down drum-kit, Very raw.... very rock. The bass, for the first time clearly heard with its reliable groove anchoring it all together. Then this guitar, Beautifully quivering chords. Slide played like a pro, without ever fully committing to the whole Country and Western thing.
For a band that looks like a few IT geeks, their sound is at odds with their image and I like anything that challenges our preconceived ideas. Likewise the slide guitar was at odds with the sound they'd mapped out previously. If the Verra Cruz put this album out ASAP whilst their sound is hot, they should see themselves up there with the best current UK bands. And if they can keep on throwing in those surprises, they should see themselves last a little while longer.