VANDAVEER - A MINOR SPELL

"A Minor Spell" is an EP released by Vandaveer in 2010.  I've reviewed some of Vandaveer's other albums here and I'm excited to discuss this little disc because it's just as wonderful and gorgeous as their full length albums.

For those of you not in the know, Vandaveer are a quasi-folk/rock band.  I'd say they were alt country but they're so much more.  Nothing they do sounds like one particular genre.  It's more like the bards of ancient days.  Mark Heidinger is the poet bard wandering the streets of America sharing his unique point of view in magnificent songs.  His sound is authentic, soulful and deeply moving.

Somehow, the beautiful entwined voices of Heidinger and Rose Guerin sweep around the room and fill you up with all sorts of unexpected emotions.  These songs conjure such personal memories because even though he sings about specific moments in time he's experienced, the listener is able to relate them to their own life and find relevance.  For instance, 'Everything Is Spinning' is a tune about losing a love and without knowing his story or getting too wrapped up in certain lyrics, anyone who's felt the pain of breaking up with someone can find those feelings rushing back to crush your heart once again.  

Heidinger is more like the folk singers of the past like Woody Guthrie, Leonard Cohen and James Taylor without sounding dated and out of touch.  He's the sparkling new version of a lost art form and he's made it his own.  You won't be disappointed if you take the time to explore the music of this gifted artist and band.  My final words:  ANOTHER ASTONISHING DISC FROM THE COMPLICATED MINDS OF VANDAVEER!  MUST OWN!

VANDAVEER - A MINOR SPELL
01. The Waking Hour (A Minor Spell)
02. Everything Is Spinning
03. Good Morning
04. All Together For The Taking
05. Ways & Means