by Nancy Chang
Daily Lobo
Minnesota foursome the Vestals is celebrating the release of a self-titled debut CD with a tour of the Southwest.
The Group's sound is a mixture of bands like Radiohead and the Beatles with a little added funkadelic flavor.
Brothers Ben and Jeremy Gordon grew up in an environment that supported their individual musical development, and they have both played in different bands since their early teens. They developed their personal musical styles and then went on to independently win the John Lennon Songwriting Award.
The Gordons combined their talents to write all 10 songs for their debut CD and contributed vocals and guitar, which add to the intricate sound.
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The Vestals' lineup has changed since its album release, and the band will be touring with new members Mark Weigel on bass and Mario Garza on drums.
The group's dreamy and melodic pop sound takes the listener back to a time when Converse shoes were cool and washing your hair was out of style. The tunes are catchy and coupled with dark lyrics to create an interesting combination of sound and message.
The Vestals' sound reflects many popular influences including artists such as Elvis Costello and Rufus Wainwright.
The Gordon brothers said early on they were inspired by artists like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, then later discovered the friendlier sounds of the Beatles and shifted gears. They said they listened to the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour more than any other album later in life, and this is apparent on the album.
The CD features 33 minutes of songs that will either encourage you to let the top down on your convertible or lie crying on the floor in fetal position with a bag of Oreos and earplugs.
The lyrics are interesting and poetic, the music is one big pop tune, and if you're into that kind of stuff, the Vestals are right up your alley.
