Rockin' Vandervelde

Despite a post-midnight/early Monday set start, David Vandervelde and his band still kicked up big chords of coolness at Pianos.

Finishing a bill that also included an energetic set from White Rabbits and a pulsing pop one from Richard Swift and his band, Vandervelde and his bandmates kept it gritty, electric and loud, letting the songs take front stage amidst animated playing and ripping solo guitarwork.


photo by Dfactor (more coming later)

Decked in cowboy boots and hat for the set, Vandervelde's face was mostly shielded from the few cameras and many stares, but his guitar playing shined brightly. Busting his D string halfway through the set didn't hinder his soloing at all - in fact, his playing might've even gotten more creative. (FYI - for those aspiring guitarists who want to play "Jacket", try Am-C for the verse, and a descending C-C/B-C/Am-G-F-G-C for the choruses).

David pulled out a second guitar (specially open-tuned) for the great "Nothing No", his last song of the night. Is it me, or does this song evoke similar thoughts of Robert Pollard's Hardcore UFOs in its lyrical imagery?
"Getting high out on the front porch,
with the sunshine in your hair,
singing songs about the weekend,
oh, and feeling sad about your friends."

All in all, a swell way to end a smashing weekend. David Vandervelde opens tonight’s sold-out Spoon show at Bowery Ballroom. Click here for a DV Fearless TV spot.

Shout outs to the good people at Pianos for making time. Double kudos to White Rabbits for bringing the high musicality and Richard Swift and his brother for hitting the sweet harmonies.