Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Issue date: 11/13/06
"Vesta Rose" is the title of an upcoming release from a local rock group known as Vesta Rose.
Founded in Nashville, Tennessee, the group has its own special, distinctive sound, combining elements of grunge, alternative, punk and even blues into their music.
Austin Peay State University student John Holland plays bass in the group.
"I try to incorporate some funky stuff," said Holland, sophomore music major.
Holland has been playing guitar since age 13. The 19-year-old is a very polite and easy going individual, but none of that matters when his fingers let loose on that bass guitar.
The group also features lead guitarist Christian Powell, 27, and drummer Tyler McConnell, 19.
Inspired by rock legends like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the group has recently been promoting their upcoming album.
"A Mission of Best Intent" takes its listeners on a journey.
From the opening mellow guitar intros and drumming on the first track, it is made clear that these guys are not amateurs.
Vesta Rose's lead singer, Christian Powell, uses his voice wisely.
The singer really emotes with his voice, bringing the lyrics to life.
He yells and pleads at times, but he refuses to flat out scream and damage his voice, which saves the dominant voice of Vesta Rose in the long run.
The album's tracks run smoothly.
There are no interludes or breaks.
Nothing but music, and normally, each track makes a smooth transition to the next one, so many of the songs begin right where the last one ended.
It's almost like listening to one continuous performance of all of the songs.
Most of the band's songs are written and structured by lead singer, Powell, but one exception on this album is the third track, "Dannum." This song was created from a rehearsal jam session, and each member made contributions and arrangements.
Each song is arranged nicely, with a wise balance of louder and softer moments.
Some of the tracks have loud chorus parts, and bridges that contain snippets of the blues.
It took a total of three weeks to complete the album, which contains eight tracks.
Aside from providing good music, Vesta Rose also brings a positive message.
"The songs are about overcoming problems and feelings of hopelessness," said Holland.
Vesta Rose is signed to Spat! Records, and will have a CD release party for their debut LP at "The End" in Nashville on Friday, Nov. 17, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
To get more information on Vesta Rose, go to Myspace.com/VestaRose. "A Mission of Best Intent" is a true display of talent, with an original sound, and it displays the musical genius of a promising APSU student.F - Natalie Gilmore The All State
Discography
Vesta Rose "Vesta Rose"
1. The Return Of Gods
2. 50, 100, 150
3. Dannum
4. Red, Model Five
5. (0)
6. Link
7. KTCK
8. Chadley
2006 Spat! Records Release
Available for download on iTunes, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody and may more.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Hailing from Music City Nashville, TN they are an unlikely candidate to fit in considering they're an alternative rock band. Nashville is more than just cowboy hats and Vesta Rose can prove that. This three piece band combines the influences of Pearl Jam and Nirvana to a new level. They know what a struggling musician really goes through when they've been homeless, jobless and searching for a place in a country town. The music is real and raw because they sing of pain and torture because they know how it truly feels.
Signed to Spat! Records
www.spatrecords.net
Links
