“VEIN” In Name Only

Musical maturity, emotional sincerity shape sound

To hear this band’s name spoken aloud, one realizes there are two different ways to spell it, with two very different meanings. One option couldn’t be a less accurate description of this particular group of people and their music; the other option (the way the band actually spells it) is quite apropos. You may think the band to be “Vain” just to hear someone mention their name in passing, but the music is anything but; powerful, yet unassuming, the songs are flush with the emotions inherent in life’s long-term struggles. Uncertainty and longing come immediately to mind, but every single rail on life’s roller coaster seems to have been examined, and the presentation of the questions rather than the answers provides a fertile bed of common ground on which the rest of us have undoubtedly seen ourselves from time to time (an example from the song, “Soul Searcher”: “I’ll keep on searching…searching...right down to your soul”).

The second (and correct) spelling describes the music perfectly. This band does indeed have a particular “vein” going for it. While their influences can be discerned all throughout the music, it still doesn’t sound like an imitation of anything. This sound is real, and it comes from the real experiences of vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Bob Kerr and his fellow band members (more on them later).
Kerr’s playing days began with a gift from his parents at the tender age of six. “They gave me a choice between buying me roller skates or a guitar; I chose the guitar.” Since then, music has been a constant in Kerr’s life, unlike his location. He’s lived in Colombia, Chicago, and Spain, just to name a few places. He also spent a good deal of his formative years living with his family in the remote Azores. It was there that Kerr had a lot of exposure to the traditional Portuguese folk music of the islands. These syncopated rhythms and dramatic chords and tones inform tracks like “A Lie” and “Bring Me Down”. In this realm, Vein does a nice job of using the natural dramatic feel of the music to explore pain and rejection. On the other hand, the band takes from its fare share of traditional rock influences as well. Citing staples such as The Doors, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin as influences, there are plenty of crunchy guitars and rocking drums featured on tunes like “Pretty Girl” and “I Feel I’m On Top Of The World."

Vein began in 1997 when Kerr hooked up with guitarist Jim Christo after playing with him in previous projects. Some members have changed over the years; the current lineup includes bassist Randy Hopkins, Christo, and drummer Cliff Goodman. Hopkins provides a solid, understated grove, leaving room in the sound for his band mates to shine. Goodman does a nice job of filling the gaps and keeping the songs moving with a steady stream of accents and fills, while Christo is the sonic overlord of the project, adding depth and tension with eerie hanging notes and hard, tasteful rock licks. Kerr plays an acoustic/electric classical guitar, further enhancing the mood and underpinning the sound with a nice, lush bed of tone.

Vein made a full-length album in 2003 and are planning on releasing another one soon, though Kerr tells me that it will most likely be sold exclusively over the internet (check back with us and we’ll let you know when it comes out). In the meantime, be sure and check out Vein’s Page on Myspace (click here to view), and keep checking the calendar for more Vein shows coming up soon. You’ll be glad you did.

By Eric Peacock