Friday, May 29, 2009 By Ashley Kim
Advertising
$0 VersaEmerge,a five-member band that began as a groupof high school students from Port St. Lucie, FL in 2005, is on its way to making an unforgettable explosion in the realm of pop/punk music. With haunting female vocals, the perfect backing malevocalist, excellent instrumentals, and killer lyrics, it is no wonder that theyhave gained popularity. Although it was few years later that they added theirfemale vocalist, Sierra Kusterbeck, giving them basis for their current sound, sheand her crew, guitarist/vocalist Blake Harnage, guitarist Jerry Pierce, bassistDevin Ingelido, and drummer Anthony Martone, have signed to the label, FueledBy Ramen. They have quickly and successfully gone from performing in small gigsto touring with many famous artists and performing in this year’s May 2009Bamboozle. They now have their whole summer schedule stacked with gigs in the2009 Vans Warped Tour in various states.$0$0 Initially, many might compare them to a band likeParamore, but they are certainly something entirely different. Sierra’s strong,almost hypnotizing voice melds perfectly with their catchy riffs, flawlessbeats, and perfectly woven harmonies. The impressive orchestra, inventive synthesizers,and the classic, punk sounds of the electric and bass guitar rounds out theband with a unique sound. Their distinctive sound gives the listeners anintense, new ride. Blake describes their material as “dark and eerie, but atthe same time…powerful and something that people can really relate to.” $0$0Since taking on Sierra as their lead singer, their newself-titled EP was crucial for VersaEmerge, but, unsurprisingly, theirsophomore release is now climbing up the charts. The artists truly definethemselves as they give each of their six songs a distinctive and consistentflavor matched by an amazing set of lyrics with a touch of darkness.$0$0The EP starts with “Theatrics,” a beautifully composedinstrumental introduction that flows flawlessly into the grandeur of “TheHider,” a song that showcases everything great about this band: the perfectlywoven female and backing male vocals, the insightful lyrics and incrediblemusic. “Past Praying For,” their most popular track, features a punkishintensity of guitar parts and catchy chorus. “Moments Between Sleep” succeeds “PastPraying For” with a stomping, musical explosion of synthesizers, violins, andguitars. The penultimate song, “Whisperer,” also has a catchy tune featuringthe male vocals. Although highly similar to “Past Praying For,” the soft,haunting melody of “Whisperer” significantly contrasts the hard rock euphony of“Past Praying For.” The EP concludes with VersaEmerge’s new version of “Clocks,”which portrays all of Sierra’s vocal ability along with an irresistibleacoustic composition. She consistently manages to keep a beautiful resiliencein her voice, almost competing with the soft harmony of Blake’s guitar. $0$0Throughout the whole EP, passion and emotion cascadefrom each member as the band touches upon various dynamic levels. Anthony givesa shockingly real and complex beat on his drums in every piece other than “Clocks.”While Jerry and Blake’s guitars clash, Devin’s bass sends shivers down thespine. All the while, Sierra’s impressive vocals seamlessly intertwine withBlake’s backing vocals, merging to create what they now call VersaEmerge. $0$0This band is definitely for anyone who is willing toaccept musical variety and whoever is up for an intense, moving ride of alifetime. Although hip-hop, old school, or bubble gum pop addicts may not beused to the intensity of this band, those open to different musical genres aresure to be satisfied. This band is guaranteed to satisfy pop/punk/rock loversor anyone with an obsession of mind-blowing drumbeats, fantastic guitar riffs, movingdynamics and killer vocals. Check out their Myspace page to listen to the fullstream EP!