| Whatwave review of the Vee Gates demo "The Game is afoot" (1986)
Until recently, I though that nothing came from Sarnia except bad odours.
But, VEE GATES hail from Sarnia. VEE GATES-- a twist on the German words
for 'how are ya' - are a garage band that have relocated from Sarnia to
London. Originally coming to London to pursue higher education, they
have now put their resources into their music. They let me listen to a
copy of their demo tape 'The Game is Afoot' and I was impressed. These
guys produced three surprisingly good songs on their demo tape -
unpretentious and likeable.
Their main influences seem to be mainline rock n' roll from Buddy Holly
to R.E.M. to Marshal Crenshaw. The lyrics, as in the first song 'Among
the Ruins' can be quite intriguing, with phrases like 'she wore a
wedding gown of silk ... it was all bloody and a chorus of 'What could
not be seen ... what could be seen appear'. But, the overall effect of
the music is that the meaning isn't as important as writing pleasing
music. They are just three average guys who enjoy watching Hogan's
Heroes and Star Trek reruns like most of us and give more of a damn
about the beer strike than about mentioning the problems of the world in
their songs. The vocals aren't screamed above the guitars in a bid for
attention, but they are not swallowed by the guitars either. There is no
overwhelming drum machine, only the occasional drum beat or bass solo,
adding to the music. The drums, played by Trent Rogers, the soul Sarnia
resident, perhaps need the most work. Yet on the whole, it is just
pleasant music to listen to: nothing offensive, nothing pompous.
With the second song, 'Halfway there,' the songwriting team of Levasseur,
guitarist and lead vocals, and John Grath, bass, continue to explore
their rock n' roll/pop roots. This second song mixes tempos and ideas
with appealing, yet not overdone guitar and bass solos and with the
occasional well wailed vocal. 'Halfway there' is perhaps the most
pleasing of the three songs, with the most energy.
The third song 'When I'm
Ready' is the weakest of the three, in both
lyrical and musical content. It is still not horrible, but not anywhere
as effective as the previous two. Here the simplicity of the drum work surfaces; here the simplicity of the chorus is noticeable.
Despite the weaknesses on this song, VEE GATES are a refreshing change
from the present thrash and clone bands that seem to dominate the local
scene. They need some vocal improvement and more work on the drums. I'm
told that they are trying to arrange some gigs at 'Call the Office" for
May. I think that they might sound better live, with more of a garagey
sound. VEE GATES: entertaining pop to drink to and enjoy - give them a
try.
Dan "Dr Disc"
The "Games is a Foot" 3 song demo (recorded Feb. 26, 1985)
|
Whatwave tape compilation "Wave from the
Grave" (1986)
"Halfway
There" - Vee Gates rockabilly original was included on the London
1986 Whatwave compilation tape. |
