VersaEmerge – Fixed At Zero
Release Date: June 22, 2010
Record Label: Fueled By Ramen
Inevitably every review you'll read for VersaEmerge’s impressive debut album, Fixed At Zero, will mention Hayley Williams and Paramore. Whether or not lead vocalist Sierra Kusterbeck sounds like her orange-headed counterpart is not important, as it’d be a disservice to VersaEmerge to waste space comparing them to Paramore (and yes I am a hypocrite for starting off my review with this).
VersaEmerge isn’t like most of their label mates. Fixed At Zero certainly has some pop to it, but it is so intricately woven with grandiose strings and experimental twists that it sets it apart. In a time where a lot of similar acts care more about style rather than substance, VersaEmerge is a breath of fresh air. “Figure It Out” begins with some playful “ah-ahh-ahh’s” from Kusterbeck, drawing you into the song’s deep spell, which is laced with brilliant electronica flourishes. The urgent “Mind Reader” follows and ,only two songs in, my ears are completely engulfed by Kusterbeck’s vocals. Her vocals are paced nicely by Blake Harnage’s guitar work. The title track continues the momentum with powerful strings and a soaring chorus.
After the first three tracks hit you over the head, VersaEmerge slow things down with the dramatic “You’ll Never Know.” The infectious “Stranger” features some nice programming from Harnage as well as a killer bridge. Fists will be pumped during the intro of “Fire (Aim Your Arrows High),” but ears will be surprised, as Harnage takes over lead vocal duties for a bit. The back and forth between him and Kusterbeck is delicious, sadly this is one of only two occurrences on Fixed At Zero. Songs like “Your Own LoV.E.” and “Mythology” display a nice give and take between pop and progression, with the latter flowing in the vein of The Hush Sound.
VersaEmerge certainly has a flair for the dramatics, raising their sound to epic proportions on the eerie “Up There” and stunning seven minute closer, “Lost Tree.” Beginning with lush acoustic strings, “Lost Tree” is an example of excellent vocal work. Kusterbeck’s voice is subdued for the first half, staying within the boundaries of the track. A nicely placed guitar riff and haunting strings amp up the mood a bit and then kaboom, Kusterbeck takes it to the next level with a yell that would blow the roofs off most arenas. The final minutes are incredibly spastic, as the previous tracks lyrics are recited, giving Fixed At Zero nice closure.
Fixed At Zero will catch the attention of those who prefer the musical styles of Eisley and The Hush Sound, but believe me when I tell you those two bands have never released something as good as this. Not only does Fixed At Zero feature pristine production (courtesy of Dave Bassett), it also has one of the best vocal performances I’ve heard in a while, female or otherwise. Sierra Kusterbeck’s range is fantastic, as she knows when to pull in the reins as well as knowing when to belt it out. Fixed At Zero has the charisma to draw in your attention and the substance to keep it as well. Looking for a new obsession? Say hello to 2010’s breakout band, VersaEmerge.
"According to a couple of tweets, [17] [18], Chris Pollock, formerly of Maryland-based band Oh, the Story! is currently filling in as the drummer for the band. It has not been announced whether this is permanent or temporary."
from Wiki, but I do not know if he recorded the drums on this album.
Fixed At Zero will catch the attention of those who prefer the musical styles of Eisley and The Hush Sound, but believe me when I tell you those two bands have never released something as good as this.
"According to a couple of tweets, [17] [18], Chris Pollock, formerly of Maryland-based band Oh, the Story! is currently filling in as the drummer for the band. It has not been announced whether this is permanent or temporary."
from Wiki, but I do not know if he recorded the drums on this album.
Oh okay. I noticed you didn't bring anything up in the review either so I was just curious. I'll probably give this a listen, Sierra is a monster of a vocalist. I remember really liking the s/t EP before this and their cover of American Boy.
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Artist Profile
View News Articles
Stream the Music
Buy the Album or MP3s
View Blog
View Signature
Posts: 7,257
View Profile Picture
Follow This Review
More Reviews By This Author