Introducing: Vandal In Berlin

 

 

“We love old bands and artists like the Gypsy Kings and Neil Young, and I think we are just trying to take all of that and perpetuate the circle of life that all scenes, all genres and all fashions go through”.  That may be the case, Jon, and good luck to you, but what Gigwise is picking out from their new breed of gorgeous synth dripping melodies and sky rocketting vocals is less of an influenced based band, and veering more towards a whole new chapter in the “circle of musical life”.  Talking about the very birth of the creative catalyst that is Vandal in Berlin, Ben muses on the possibility that his extensive world travel could have brought the unique edge into their sound.  But then he decides it probably didn’t, although he jokes, “I’ve got a lot of cool clothes.  Possibly our wardrobe was inspired by my travels…” 

 

And that is another thing that strikes you instantly about Vandal in Berlin.  Meeting in this coffee shop, and looking around, you could immediately tell these guys are in a band.  They stand out.  Their slightly eccentric visual image is nothing short of what you’d expect after listening to just one of their songs.  Fresh from the dentist after a painful filling, frontman Jon explains the best he can with a numb face about the origins of the trio.  “I was doing a solo gig up here in Liverpool, and then afterwards, shy old Dave (!!) approaches me and we just end up jamming.  He’d just moved here from Switzerland and was keen to get into some music.  Ben’s an old friend from way back, and when he’d finished his epic journey of self-discovery, he joined us too.  I guess it all really started properly from November, and since then we’ve been gigging hard. Mainly up north, but we’ve got a London date coming up next week, and we’ve got an EP, although it’s really old.  I did the artwork myself (looks very proud and shows Gigwise the impressive sleeve).”

 

Completely self managed, the group have recently started receiving some quite hot label interest, but are adament that the type of deal will come before any gimmicks.  Jon grandly struggles on with his numb mouth and explains that “although we’ve had some interest, we are still very much growing as a band, as our relationships with each other also change, we want our music to have the space to develop.  We don’t want to rush into a deal, get an album out, and then never really be heard of again.  We want to make sure that we feel our music is substantial enough and truly representative of what we wanna do before we go putting it all out there.  I mean, our music is really good, we are all happy with it, but it’s a learning curve too.  We are changing a lot…our music changes.  I’ll write a song and then Ben will decide to play it in an entirely different key.  And sometimes it works and it’s fantastic.  It’s things like that which make us want to take our time with finding a good deal.  Let it find us.”

 

It’s this easy going and realistic nature, as well as their endearing humour that makes ViB different in many ways to other bands on the scene right now.  It also re-affirms Gigwise’s conviction that this is a genuine band, and steer’s clear successfully from the trap of pretension that so often befalls a new group – especially one of this genre.  They are going to keep their feet firmly on the ground, despite the experimental and sometimes rather bizzare music, because, as Jon points out; “we are all moody gits, but in rotation, so there’s always one of us at least pointing the moodyness out to the others.  He’s well moody (points to Dave), and he’s moody every few weeks (points to Ben).  And me? I’m moody all the time, but at the moment I have an excuse (points to his mouth).  Mood swings aside, the band have a great rappor and are genuine old-time friends.  And they all have a little role to play within the band, making it almost a family affair.  “Dave does all the computery stuff, like the website and little bits and pieces.  He’s not….(thoughtful silence)….a geek, but he sort of is…and I (Jon), do all the artwork and stuff. And Ben…he’d be the plumber I suppose!”

 

The conversation flows on and despite Jon’s prostests that “it’s not topical anymore!”, Gigwise cannot help but broach the subject of politics.  Well, for such a zany band their manifesto would surely be of equal measure? And we are not dissapointed when ViB collectively agrees that they would make “everyone move to Scotland and fish.  Go as far north as you can. And then swim”