the verigolds - EP+

The Verigolds

EP+
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Sometimes there are qualities about a band's sound that you make you enjoy the music even when you can’t pinpoint exactly what you like about their sound. I had this feeling as I was listening to EP+ by The Verigolds. The Verigolds a four-piece from San Diego and they are an unassuming band whose charm lies in the subtleties and nuances of their music. 

On their Bandcamp page they describe their music as psychedelic rock/folk/alternative but I think I would throw surf in there as well. They bring a wide range of styles to their music but don’t get pigeonholed in one, which is another reason why it is hard to pinpoint what attracted me to the band. On top of that the combination of male and female leads brings more variation to their already eclectic sound. 

They start with a highlight entitled “Flow To Find Me.” A sustained hum of an organ and a picked guitar provide an open canvas for the vocalist to deliver one of the best lines on the album. He sings; “content to sit right back and smile and watch the world that floats around me.” The band picks up the pace and rocks out without going overboard.

The third song “Fanfare” is another accomplished song. It contains a lot of organ. Bonham-inspired tom rolls and has a good overall structure and pace. “Sky Pipe” features a soaring female lead with some lush instrumental work. You are treated to bells, handclaps and orchestral strings.

The album closes with “Strange,” which is another testament to their diversity. Musically it feels loose like it can fall apart but doesn't. Once the drums enter it brings a bit more foundation to the song. Perhaps I'm just a bad linguist but words on the paper fall a bit short of what makes this band unique. So do yourself a favor and take a listen. 

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