The first time I truly understood the power that live music could have on me, I was fourteen. My body was pressed against the front of a stage and my eyes were just about level with the feet of The Envy Corps lead vocalist, Luke Pettipoole.

It was one of the greatest nights of my life. 

I’ve watched the band grow and evolve as the years as have passed, but my love for The Envy Corps has never waned. Their sound has changed a bit, yes. What once was a heartfelt and swelling indie rock has shifted over into an indie rock base with more of an electronica backing. But I still find each of their albums to be utter genius, even if I think I might always prefer their first album most. 

The only time I have ever cried from the sheer emotion and beauty of a live song was when the band performed Baby Teeth that aforementioned evening. Luke’s whole being was within it, and his devotion to what he was singing was evident. That, paired with the lyrics and music, brought forth the tears with little effort. I have loved them ever since.

Their most recent album, It Culls You, was released in October of 2011. The way the band has evolved from that night I first experienced them is both admirable and rather astounding. They have pushed and pulled themselves so that they produce music that shows their growth — even their style of clothing has changed. 

And yet, even with this change, they lack none of their original appeal or energy. They are still soaring, atmospheric, and bone-marrow deep in their lyrics and sound.

They have, in simple terms, come out from their gradual cocoon as a butterfly.

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The Envy Corps on the web. Check ‘em out and stream It Culls You in its entirety via the “media” page!

In case you hadn’t already noticed, Vinyl Sea Press has a brand new look! The design is entirely original, and everything — the feathers, lace, paper, pressed flowers, and the texture in the color portion of the header (to name a few small details) — is digitally drawn and crafted from scratch by Corinne. She took my entire idea and turned it into a design beyond my wildest dreams. I can’t thank her enough! 

Not to mention, the blog now has a comment feature and other small surprises. 

Check everything out and give me your thoughts! :)

Scott Vance is leading me through a maze. 

We are weaving through small rooms and doorways to find somewhere to sit so a mini-interview can begin. Scott and I met officially five minutes before this moment, after I had just seen he and his band — The New Electric Sound— carry out an excellent show at a venue called Sammy’s. Sammy’s is a burger joint and music venue hybrid, famous for their pie and cupcake shakes. It’s the only true music venue in my new tiny college town, and I was more than pleased to discover that the bands that play it are truly on-point. My thirst for good live music is going to be quenched while I’m here, I realized, and it was Scott’s band that made me have that realization. 

Scott finally takes me into a very cold room that is storage for food and also an office. It’s bare and unkempt with a desk in one corner, but it’s away from the roar of people and has a couch. It will do just fine. 

As we sit down, Scott — who is lead vocals and guitar — admits to me with a smile that this is the only time he’s truly gotten to relax all day. They traveled four hours or so from Provo, Utah to be here tonight… and I think everyone was grateful they came. His comment makes him sound like a seasoned musician to me, but all things considered, he isn’t really. He and his band have only been playing shows together since September. 

This is surprising because the band truly is polished. With a groovy surfer-rock sound that is at times almost borderline Buddy Holly, they are quite unique. They still have the grit of rock and roll, with a beat that successfully made me dance, but somewhere underneath it all is swirl of 50’s influence that is sure to put them on the map. They even surprised the audience when one of their songs reached the breakdown and Scott began a fluid rap — this comes from his background in making hip-hop music. All of this together proved to me that they certainly have the potential to shake up the music world. 

Not only do they sound fifties-influenced, but they look it too. Most of the members were raised first on a base of jazz, but grew to appreciate the 50’s and 60’s eras. As a result, they’re a mixture of pompadour hairdo’s and thick-rimmed glasses, cardigans over button-up shirts and sharp looking shoes. Their appearance adds to their charming personalities, and overall helps put their music into focus. It’s a good mix. 

They’re a charismatic group who shine on stage, with a sound that is greater than they give themselves credit for. They’ve got humor and wit, smiles and shaking hips, and the ability to transport you to another time and place while still keeping you grounded in the present. I’m already a huge fan and absolutely look forward to them progressing. I know they are going to do just that. 

Keep an eye out for them, ladies and gentlemen… and in the meantime, lend an ear. (Link below). I can guarantee they’ll get your toes tapping and make the rest of the world melt away. And with our days often full of stress and complications, could you ask for much more than that?

I don’t think so either. Dig in, friends!

The New Electric Sound is:
Scott — Lead vocals and guitar
Tom —Bass
Ben — Lead Guitar
Logan — Keys
Tony the Drummer — Drums, of course!
Eric — Trumpet
They can be found on Facebook here!