Viva Voce
10/20/6
Empty Bottle in Chicago
Viva Voce (meaning Word of Mouth) is a two piece band from Portland Oregon. Married couple Kevin and Anita Robinson have a great chemistry together musically. It just works to hear both of their vocals. You’d think at points the sound would be bare with her playing guitar and him on drums (at times, he plays guitar as well) but it’s not. It’s always just really interesting with verses that seem to be more stripped down and reflective to these great bursts of choruses that seem to be incredibly full and make you wonder…..am I really just watching two people?
I’ve always been a fan of male/female vocals together in particular but most of the bands I listen to that have this dynamic are in the pop or twee categories. Viva Voce is definitely not either. Yes, they are indie rock but they have some interesting psychedelica influences. Their sound is a bit more experimental than your typical indie rock band and the songs just seem to take on a really definite momentum. In particular, some of the guitar sounds they achieve through pedal effects that are astounding. Just listen to the opening chords on “Alive With Pleasure” for example and coupled with the wooing it’s actually unexpectently catchy. It was great to hear this live. Other highlights inculded “The Lucky Ones,” “Red D-Lish” and “Believer.” It was unfortunate that the club had to close because I think they had been meaning to play two additional songs on their setlist but it was a late show and I guess they plan on touring again in the spring.
Check out their very worthwhile releases on Barsuk
Hear songs on their myspace page
Click to see more pictures and tour dates
View the entire set of pictures on flickr
Remaining Tour Dates:
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Upcoming Shows ( view all )Oct 26 2006 8:00P
Neurolux Boise, ID
Oct 27 2006 8:00P
Crocodile Seattle, WA
Oct 28 2006 8:00P
Doug Fir Portland, OR