Xavii

"Xavii is one of the most interesting bands to come out of Macon’s music scene in a long time. Their recently released EP, Mud Is Better Than Words, is an eclectic, experimental release that shows off the young group’s considerable talent. Their willingness to discover sounds beyond the typical rock conventions is re freshing and exhilarating, even if they sometimes seem to get lost in their own lengthy musical explorations. Still, Mud is a remarkably strong debut that’s worth checking out for anyone involved in the Macon music scene. I’d hesitate to strictly define the band’s sound as post rock, but their meandering and melodic guitar lines, crashing drum fills, and explosive crescendos have more than a little bit in common with Scottish rockers Mogwai and Texas’s Explosions in the Sky. "

- Eric Brown

The moniker that you select for your band is important. A band's name should say as much about the act as the music and the lyrics. The adage that you have only one time to make a first impression sums up the power of a band's name. My introduction to the band Xavii was when I stumbled upon them performing at The Hummingbird in downtown Macon, GA. The power of the music and the standard of performance displayed by these young men was near perfection and very hypnotizing. There was a confidence emanating from the stage that had the crowd absolutely stunned. Attention was particularly drawn to the drummer, who gave a lesson in tempo change and the art of flawless drumming. This young man is a machine behind the drum kit.

Fast forward to the next time that I saw them which was at the " Tribute for Red Dog " at the Cox Capitol Theatre. Again, they put on an intense show that was well received by the large crowd in attendance, a crowd that consisted of all types from all walks of life. It was evident that the old guard of the Southern rock sound were pleasantly surprised and pleased with what these four young men brought to the tribute. That is the power of music.......................it crosses all boundaries and breaks all barriers.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I spotted a square item at the bottom of the steps while I made my way to the door that opens up to the hustle and bustle of Cherry street. Attached to the CD was a post it note which simply stated " TO aBH FROM ClaRK. Xavii's bass player had left me a copy of their 2010 e.p. MUD IS BETTER THAN WORDS.

That being said, the CD does not do this band justice. They are an act that one must experience live. Don't misconstrue what I am saying, the CD is well produced and has good sound quality but one must experience this band live. The musicianship and energy can't fully be captured on disk.

Is there room for improvement? Sure. In my opinion the weakest part is the vocals ( and I don't mean the lyrical content ). I believe that this band would prosper even moreso if they added a female singer. A singer with an angelic, heavenly, out of this world voice. Which brings me back to the name. In my research, I found no definition for the word " Xavii ". I am well aware of the soccer player for Barcelona named Xavi but I was unable to find any listing for " Xavii " ( and I looked in books as well as on the computer ). So I came up with what I thought the name represented. I concluded that it was an acronym:

X = 10 = the highest grade on the universal 1-10 scale

A = Alpha = Top Dog; first

VII = 7 = the heavenly number

As I stated earlier, the name says alot about a band and the members of Xavii have christened themselves accordingly - their music is a spiritual journey of the highest degree, teetering on perfection.

To form your own opinion, check Xavii out live ( warning: your jaw might drop ) at the next Bragg Jam and pick up a copy of MUD IS BETTER THAN WORDS at The Golden Bough on Cotton, in downtown Macon, GA.

Next up : THE FELLAS

Best wishes,

ABH - Anthony B Harris

Xavii

Xavii (pronounced Za-vee) is a very young band that came together at a MidSummer Macon music camp a few years ago. The four guys – Zack Matthews, Dustin Murdock, Bobby Coke and Steven Ledbetter – bonded quickly over their mutual musical interests. Their ages range from 15-18 now, and they’ve been playing for somewhere around a year and half. What they make lack in age, they make up for in sound. Their songs are lengthy journeys through a landscape that is at times ambient and moody, at times stern and fierce. They’ll stop and head in a different direction without warning while keeping it all cohesive. Xavii will be releasing their first EP any day now and will be touring in support of it. Get initiated Tuesday with Kiddie Khem at Golden Bough Bookstore, 371 Cotton Ave. 744-2446.

Read more: http://www.macon.com/2010/03/26/1071929/gig-guide.html#ixzz0llPAYenx
- Macon Telegraph, By Rebecca Ledford

Meet the band, Xavii! (Za-Vee)
Band Member Names and Instruments:
Steven Ledbetter (Drums) Zack Matthews (Guitar/Vocals)Dustin Murdock (Guitar/Vocals) and Bobby Coke (Bass)

Local sounds
Where do ya'll play? Tell us about Suite 200, the new venue opening November 7?

We've Played several shows in Macon with The Refuge, Macon Venue Project and the upcoming Suite 200 as well as the Ag Pavilion in Sylvester GA. Suite 200 is a brand new venue booked by one of our friends Steven Stowe. It's located on B Shreaton Dr. off of Riverside Dr. We are pretty excited to be on the Suite 200's first show with Confined to The Shadows and After Me, The Flood

Who Comes to a Xavii Show? What are your fans like? We have a range of assorted friends and fans that come from all musical taste and age groups. We are privileged to have friends in the local music scene who we share a mutual appreciation for each others music with. We hope to continue to combine different crowds at shows and blur the lines between different types of music fans. We would hope that our music is accessible for the people of all genre taste to enjoy

to see more of this interview view our photos! a copy of the article will be there - 11th Hour Magazine