- Bryon Harris
Vernanda Beach - 'I Gotta Go'
Veranda Beach is a blues infused rock band bringing a unique sound based out of Thorold Ontario. This five piece band features Allan Ivey on lead vocals, Vincent Sirianni on keys/organ, Derek Grandmaison on lead guitar, Chris Viccica on bass and Dan Bowie on the drums. Formed in the summer of 2015, the band has already made a name for themselves in the Niagara region. Currently, Veranda Beach is working on recording their first album. Their debut single, “I Gotta Go” showcases their tight melodic sound with the perfect mix of blues, rock and smooth soul.
The song kicks off with two bars of solo bass setting a deep pulse, then the guitar enters with a nice rhythmic pattern as the drums keep the tempo moving forward on the high hat. Soon the keys emerge and each instrument is working seamlessly together to create an infectious bluesy groove that spins like vinyl. The melodic motif on the keys is distinctive as it hovers above the mix giving the song an extra melodic texture that continues throughout the song. This effective sparse arrangement combined with the bands ability to write a strong hook makes for a song that is sure to stick in your head after the first hearing.
Ivey’s vocals come through crystal clear above the groovin' foundation showcasing a rockin’ voice; he displays the ability to transition from smooth melodies to a more edgy, hard tone which blends perfectly with the bands versatile vibe. “I Gotta Go” is a song about love at first sight, chasing it and living in the moment. In the verse Ivey sings “I saw this pretty lady she was walking through the city alone. She had me from the start and I knew from my heart and soul.” The simple lyrics of the hook, “oh we gonna live it up, live it up, oh I gotta go” depict the spontaneous and “gotta go with the flow” character of the song. The memorable chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to. The song’s structure is Intro –Verse –Chorus, repeat, with an instrumental and an outro section. The first instrumental sections is 12 bars presenting a nice blues guitar solo played by Grandmaison that picks up fragments of the melody and returns again in the outro. The guitar has a edgy sound that goes well with the song - it doesn't overly sing and has just the right amount of crunchiness.
From the versatile vocals to the captivating instrumentals, Veranda Beach is sure to whet your musical appetite with a sound that is infectious. Each member of the band is a self-taught musician who brings their own flavor to the table and there is no doubt that Veranda Beach have found their niche with a one of a kind bluesy sound with smooth and angled edges keeping it interesting and fun. Having just played one of their biggest shows at the Toronto Opera House, the band’s momentum is sure to keep growing. Vernanda Beach’s full album will be available for purchase in the summer of 2017. For more information on the band’s release visit their website.