Let’s just make this as plain as we can get around here.
You should be listening to The Virgo Vertigo.
Never mind the fact that you may not have heard of the band before. Considering the current band formed in November of 2009, that is hardly surprising. Also, never mind the fact that we here at bkI may know members of the band on a personal basis. Personal allegiances aside, this is a band that warrants some attention.
First, a little background info. The Virgo Vertigo is the brainchild of Tory World, currently taking up residence in Madison, WI. The project started in Seattle, WA as a hobby for Tory, according to the band’s MySpace page, and as a way to perform charity work. With the move to Madison, the call to arms was made to fill out the band. And that call was answered by thebluediamand (a former bandmate of Tory’s) on drums, Lexi Steinweg-Woods on bass, and the Thump (yup, you heard me) on guitar. Tory handles the rest…which includes guitar, vocals, and programming.
Why programming? Because The Virgo Vertigo is a band ‘heavily influenced by mid 80′s pop and New Wave. But, the sound also borrows from elements of industrial, hard-rock, new pop, hip-hop, dance, and so on.’ So, yeah, gotta have the programming in there. It’s an eclectic mix of genres and styles, making a unique balance that appeals on many levels. The musical potpourri is clearly reflected in the group’s new EP The Prelude, available at such fine music establishments as iTunes, Digstation, and LaLa.
Just in case you are more of a visual person, don’t fret. We got you covered. Check out the music video for Better Learn to Swim, released on December 23, 2009 to the world via YouTube. There is even two different versions….the short version previously linked, or the long version that you can access right here. Hell, you can also check out the video for Superhuman, for all you zombie lovers out there.
However, if you are truly a visual person, and you happen to be in Madison around the 22nd of January, then you must head over to The Annex at 9 pm and check out The Virgo Vertigo live. According to Tory, the live show is a performance art presentation, using LCD screens to present images and video in a documentary fashion. The visual aids help to tell the songs and to give the overall impression of modern society in a dream state. Also, if, for some reason, you can’t make this Friday’s show, don’t panic! The Frequency, also in Madison, will have The Virgo Vertigo on February 20th (that’s a Saturday for all those of you playing at home) at 6 pm. Set aside time now, for it promises to be an entertaining show.
For things relating to The Virgo Vertigo, feel free to check out the following:
Check out the music video or, if you are like me and prefer your music sans visual stimuli, head on over to the MySpace page and give the tracks there a listen. If the auditory experience is to your liking, then go pick up the EP online or, better yet, come to The Annex this Friday. Trust me on this one. It will be worth it.
