doubleVee – Frucus Minus (The Flycatcher)
URL: https://www.doublevee.net/
doubleVee’s debut album The Moonlit Fables of Jack the Ruder has been sometime in the making, but well worth it. The first single from the release, “Frucus Minus (The Flycatcher)”, has an assertive sound leaping out at listeners from the first, but it isn’t the only joker in doubleVee’s deck. It’s merely illustrative of the diversity that the duo of Allan and Barb Vest bring out on the collection and shows that these are two artists hungry for recognition. They’ll get it on the backs of songs the quality of this single. “Frucus Minus (The Flycatcher)” couldn’t have better production and comes to astonishingly vivid life from the outset. It has a raw, visceral sound that threatens to overwhelm the listener at points, but it never quite does. This speaks to the songwriting’s understanding of balance and the theatrical qualities of this track never overcome its basic substance.
doubleVee manifest an array of influences on The Moonlit Fables of Jack the Rider and there’s some specific ones in play on the album’s first single. You can hear a little bit of White Stripes, a little indie rock posturing, but it all comes through with such a personalized spirit that you’d never confuse this act with anyone else. The Vests are responsible for that on a variety of fronts. Allan’s guitar playing has an expansive quality allowing him to take in a variety of instrumental approaches while his vocals exhibit a nice contrast with their clean pop tones, personal charm, and just enough emotion to alternate between playfulness and a full on effort to connect with listener’s experiences. There’s enough of the personal, however, with this song to indicate the duo has cut this track for themselves, above anyone else, and it resonates with the commitment in the performance.
The lyrics hold that element of the personal. There are recognizable moments in the writing for all listeners, but there’s also references seemingly culled from the duo’s personal hagiography that aren’t readily accessible. This works fine. People flocking to doubleVee’s music will be fans who, ultimately, accept that artists will give, but often times keep something of the song for themselves. Some more of the song is likely revealed by the video they shot for it – there are storyline elements in the video presentation missing from the songwriting and, taken together, they are quite the conceptual piece. It’s interesting to note how well the duo utilizes color in the short film clip and it takes on a painterly aspect. There’s so much here for both hardcore music fans and casual listeners alike to enjoy – if they like to be challenged. doubleVee isn’t completely from a different universe, but they certainly want to move you out of your comfort zone a little and do so with immense skill and style. “Frucus Minus (The Flycatcher)” has great music, humor, and a buoyant spirit from the first.
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/doubleVeeBand
Charles Hatton