VersaEmerge
VersaEmerge

Release Date: 2009 | Tracklist

VerseEmerge's Perceptions EP proved that they weren't just another Paramore clone. Perception's blend of spacey post-hardcore instrumentation and soaring female vocals made it one of the more surprising debuts of 2008. Only three months removed from the release of their debut, VersaEmerge are back with a new release in the form of yet another EP, this time showing off a more subdued side of the band.

VersaEmerge start off their self-titled EP with the eerie Theatrics. Falling somewhere between over-dramatic video game sound clip and Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack, Theatrics introduces a new element in VersaEmerge's sound, keyboards. Theatrics soon unfolds into the ridiculously catchy, yet still rather ballsy, The Hider. The Hider begins bathed in cold electronics and it breaks into a roaring rocker with singer Sierra Kusterbeck's powerful vocals floating gracefully over silky smooth, Receiving Ends of Sirens'-esque guitar work provided by Blake Harnage and Jerry Pierce. The EP continues with its best track, Moments Between Sleep. Showing off their strong pop sensibilities, Moments Between Sleep brings to mind the best of both Paramore and Mae. Its swirling collection of synths and muted guitar gives way into a majestic chorus driven by one hell of a vocal hook that could easy take the place of That's What You Get or Pressure on your next playlist. Whisperer sees the keyboards take the forefront yet again with a tiptoeing riff that fits the song's darker motif. It almost sounds like a power-pop Evanescence. Guitarist Blake Harnage shows off his pipes on Whisperer as he provides backing vocals on the song. His voice is the typical pop-punk affair but it fits perfectly with Sierra's vocals. VerseEmerge close out their latest EP with a redone version of Clocks, originally found on Perceptions. The guitar melodies that permeated the original version of Clocks have been replaced by an acoustic guitar, bubbly synths and swelling strings turning it into a stirring ballad that closes the EP out in a chilling fashion.

With just two releases under their belts VersaEmerge have catapulted through the endless ranks of pop-punk bands to become a force to be reckoned with. Their self-titled EP just reinforces this. Sure it lacks some of the upfront aggression of their debut, but the powerful songwriting, shimmering guitar work and captivating vocals are all there and just as strong as before.

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3.6 great

Rank: #56 for 2009