I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: April 30, 2019] The Vernes

I was planning to go to this show in Asbury Park, but we had just gotten back from vacation and I was a bit burnt out, so I decided to stay home.  But then I realized that this tour was playing in Philly as well.  And, even better, there was a fourth band added to the show.  That band was The Vernes.

They are a Philly band whom I was unfamiliar with.  But it seemed like they may have had quite a following because the floor was pretty crowded when I arrived right about on time for their set.  I missed a song or two but I heard the majority of the show and I loved it.

They played a few songs from their soon to be released album Year of the Rat.  But they played most from their previous album Maybe I’ll Feel Better When I’m Dead.

They had a vibe of a less jamming Built to Spill or more of a Mercury Rev feel (mostly in the vocals), while writing dark lyrics amid incredibly poppy verses and choruses, like in “Maybe I’ll Feel Better When I’m Dead.”

I bought the CD of MIFBWID (they had a sign at their merch table with CD-R?  What’s that?).  I can’t stop listening to it.  It’s so good–hooks and melodies and thoughtful lyrics.

I’m I’m pleased to say that the new songs are just as good, like “Hrglass.”

Their live show was fun, too.  Nothing to crazy, although I enjoyed watching guitarist take his solos, and certainly had fun at the end.

They were hanging around after the show and the were all super friendly.  They introduced themselves (matt, fabi, cole, pat–there was a fifth person on stage, but i can’t even find last names, so never mind), and we had fun talking about playing in New Jersey (which they were planning to do next week).

I couldn’t go to that show, but I do hope to see them again.

Sometimes the band you don’t know turns out to be your favorite of the night.