Search - Vedera, Veda :: The Weight of an Empty Room

I'll say wow twice

Kelley Ann | Kansas City | 09/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

".I've seen Veda play live several, several times. I do believe I was at the very first show that they ever played, at a small venue, and I remember hearing Kristen May's voice from outside during sound checks. I fell in love.

.I believe that the reason Veda has made it as far as they have is because of Kristen's vocals. She has such control over her voice, and she really shows that on their first album. She encompasses a sort of beauty and creativity with the vocal lines that she wails. Not to mention her lyrics are touching and incredible as well. The lead guitar really adds to Kristen voice and rhythm guitar, making things a little more ambient, more complex. The music itself isn't really complex, the chord progressions are simple and clean, but in most all of the songs, each instrument stands out to make it's own. For instance, in "Moments Rewound", listen to the bass guitar. It really makes the song come together.

.This album as such an amazing sense of energy. It's the kind of album you pop in your car CD player and let it roll over and over again. Starting out with "Trade this Fear" was an excellent idea, since it's crammed with energy and Kristen is basically saying, "Yeah, you're gonna like this." Although, I do think that ending the album on an acoustic note was poor,

.I would strongly recommend purchasing this album. It's well worth the money and time spent listening."

Something Natural

M. A. Heckman | St. Louis, MO USA | 08/30/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Hey, guess what? I saw them open in front of Dredg too! Seems that this tour is doing them a lot of good. And that's great, because they deserve it.



What struck me about Veda is that there really is nothing to decipher about them. I can admire that as long as the music is good, and it is. Kristen isn't overpowering as a vocalist, but commands everyone's attention with it. The music hints at an urge to break out in to greatness just below the surface. During their live preformance, Brian wailed his guitar in a very U2/Coldplay fashion which was invigorating. Sadly, it all gets muted on the actual album.



If Veda could capture the blossoming power of their live act and put it in to their next album, they could easily be on their way to something great. Kristen, you have the voice! Use it! The only track that I felt you really had fun with your beauty was "It's All Happening on Broadway" (and subsequently is my favorite track on the album). You nearly get there with tracks like, "For a Friend" ("and we sing...") and "Trade this Fear" with your throaty growls. It's amazing what you can do, just showcase it. Test yourself more often and stretch your range as far as it can go.



And don't be afraid to let the music shine, too. Let the reverb on the guitar explore the studio space next time. Let the drums out of their cage and have some fun. Why not have a bass solo or let it follow in the footsteps of Kristen's voice? There's so much Veda could be doing (and is completely able to do) that could make them something really special.



Until that time, this is an admirable start for Veda. There is something completely natural about the music they make and I hope they get a chance to share that with as many people as possible. They'll be going back on tour soon with Thrice and I highly suggest you check them out. Love and Peace!"

Amazing!

K. Kane | Dallas TX | 03/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutely love this band; incredible vocals and music. My only Quam has nothing to do with the band at all. "Veda" is totally NOT their name! It's "Vedera"! I'm guessing it's a miss print, but the music is still AMAZING!"