Vendetta Valentine

Vendetta Valentine
Story and Photos: Lexa Vonn
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One of the greatest things about living in Los Angeles is having the advantage of discovering new artists before the rest of the world does. For as long as I can remember I have had a knack for picking bands that have that certain star quality. And while the members of Vendetta Valentine don’t come off as your usual boozing, brawling, sexual iconic rocker types, their set list is packed with hits nonetheless. Featuring former Romak & the Space Pirates member, Daniel Powell on guitar, Anna Judd on keyboards and Thomas on vocals, Vendetta Valentine are a band that is all killer and no filler! I have recently had the opportunity to hear them both on CD as well as on two separate stages at Hollywood’s famed Knitting Factory. The first time I saw them they appeared in the Factory’s Alternate Lounge. The room barely holds 30 people and is more suited for acoustic acts but by the third song of Vendetta’s set I had completely forgotten about that. Their music truly moves me, a quality that is scarce among today’s over produced and underdeveloped songs of the airwaves. Sounding like an electro version of The Pixies, their songs are simple and classically structured with emotional builds, catchy hooks, danceable beats and insightful lyrics.
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“Father takes the family for a holiday
Mother swallows pills to keep the world at bay
Big Brother’s put a price on freedom
Let the children dream about it now,”
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shrieks singer Thomas, who also penned a novel entitled “Neeva’s Gift”, in the chorus of “May Day”. Daniel’s pitch perfect vocal harmonies and hard rock guitar licks add to the ambience of the sound, further providing an exciting experience for their colorful array of dedicated fans who seem as if they follow them everywhere. They remind me of the indie rock scene circa the early 90’s back when indie rock was actually independent. Vendetta Valentine is a dream waiting to happen for the right producer. Having already been played on KROQ, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if someone snatched them up soon. See them while you can!
- L.A. X…PRESS

By ERIN DEWITT
Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 3:02 pm
Without any label support, Santa Ana-based Vendetta Valentine are enjoying airplay on KROQ and are being wooed by MTV, whose representatives whisper such sweet nothings as "Your music is perfect for our network" into the band's virginal ear. Many people are loving the music industry's decline, which is playing to the advantage of musicians who—signed or not—are creating fresh new sounds. Now is the time of the underdog, and Vendetta Valentine's members are lapping it up with their freshman effort, There's Nothing Safe, which comes out Tuesday.

Vendetta Valentine: Loved by MTV, KROQ and probably you
The variation of talent within the group is distinct: Vocalist/rhythm guitarist Thomas Monroe is a published novelist, guitarist/bassist/drum-machine programmer Daniel Powell works in video production, and keyboardist/synthesizer wizard Anna Judd is a painter and sculptor. This forging of diverse sensory articulation translates into the flip-flopping of styles showcased throughout There's Nothing Safe. From the album's opener, "Let It Burn," a quirky electronic-dance gem that sounds like it was recorded after a Mickey Avalon show, to the radio-friendly, catchy pop rock single "Dissidents" (which Vendetta Valentine are urging fans to request on KROQ) to the spastic and futuristic sound of "Wrecking Ball," the band ingeniously avoid pigeonholing.

They may be shopping the more mainstream songs to The Man (and we wish them well with that), but when Vendetta Valentine get creative with digital riffs and chirps, they shine like a disco ball. - OC Weekly