VersaEmerge - VersaEmerge EP

[Joe DeAndrea]

VersaEmerge - VersaEmerge EP
Record Label: Fueled By Ramen Records
Release Date: February 3rd, 2009

If you were ever a fan of VersaEmerge back when they released Cities Built on Sand, happened to slip into a coma and this EP was the first you've heard from them since - you're in for a surprise. In 2006, the band had a male vocalist and a completely different sound than they do now. After Spencer Pearson left, VersaEmerge enlisted singer Sierra Kusterbeck and went for more toned down direction with 2008's Perceptions. Now, having a steady line-up and inking a deal with Fueled By Ramen, they've crafted a more accessible set of songs that are poppy, dark, and even eerie at times.

In the EP's first track and intro, aptly titled "Theatrics," VersaEmerge show exactly where they're going with this release, albeit only :39 seconds long. It sounds like it could be the opening music to a Tim Burton film. "Theatrics" flows into "The Hider," which would be my favorite track on the EP and should be a number one contender for first single. "Past Praying For" presents why Kusterbeck's vocals fit so well with the band; they sound great.

Comparisons to Paramore's Hayley Williams are inevitable, like they are with almost any female fronted pop-rock band, but these comparisons aren't just made by people for the sake of getting their post count up. Throughout the EP, simliarites to Williams are certainly there but not in way where they're being ripped off. In "Whisperer" and the re-recorded versions of "Clocks," VersaEmerge prove that there are two talented vocalists in the band and not just one. Guitarist Blake Harnage provides back-up vocals and complements Kusterbeck well, and the dual vocals are definitely something I hope to see more of on the full-length.

Overall, VersaEmerge has improved in almost every aspect since their beginning and have finally found their right sound with their third EP. They're going to be compared to plenty of bands, ranging from Paramore to The Receiving End of Sirens, but if they progress like they have been with their full-length, they have the potential to destroy all their competition.

Track Listing
01) Theatrics
02) The Hider
03) Past Praying For
04) Moments Between Sleep
05) Whisperer
06) Clocks
Produced by: James Paul Wisner

VersaEmerge is:
Sierra Kusterbeck - Vocals
Blake Harnage - Guitarist/vocals
Jerry Pierce - Guitarist
Devin Ingelido - Bassist
Anthony Martone - Drummer
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/versaemerge) - Purevolume (http://www.purevolume.com/versaemerge) - Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FVersaEmerge%2Fdp%2FB001R9158O%3 Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D123 3471562%26sr%3D103-1&tag=httpwwwabso0d-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) - http://ax.itunes.apple.com/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=BBwAS3l93tA&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewArtist%253Fid% 253D268839112%2526partnerId%253D30)

[fadedmemories]

First :-)

...and good review, this EP is amazing.

[HelpMeSleep]

good review. I need to get this. I liked Perceptions. when's the full length supposed to be coming out?

[SomedayTheFire]

Good review, I think I prefer the sound of Perceptions. I still like this ep though.

[Broden Terry]

I definitely still need to check this out. I loved Perceptions.
I'm looking forward to hearing it. Good review.

[Kbm600]

I want to hear this.

On a side note - I'm currently in love with the lead singer.

[trappedintime]

Past Praying For is so damn catchy.
Great EP nonetheless, but a little generic.

[smudge]

i think this EP is great, i like the darker edge to pull them away from the whole 'they sound like Paramore' kinda thing but I think its a tad over produced.

Sierra Kusterbeck - Vocals
Blake Harnage - Guitarist/vocals
Jerry Pierce - Guitarist
Devin Ingelido - Bassist
Anthony Martone - Drummer

Not one plays violins etc...unless i'm wrong there.

Dont get me wrong tho, i love the EP

[SomedayTheFire]

i think this EP is great, i like the darker edge to pull them away from the whole 'they sound like Paramore' kinda thing but I think its a tad over produced.

Sierra Kusterbeck - Vocals
Blake Harnage - Guitarist/vocals
Jerry Pierce - Guitarist
Devin Ingelido - Bassist
Anthony Martone - Drummer

Not one plays violins etc...unless i'm wrong there.

Dont get me wrong tho, i love the EP
I think Blake does the programming and stuff.

[Debut_Fin]

i hope they re-record The Authors for their full-length. The only song on this I don't really like is "moments between sleep"

[Lemmi!]

Yea this ep is really good.

love that second song the hider love the guitars in it

[denissuxx]

I like this EP, although I couldn't get into any of the old stuff.

[I am Mick]

I fully agree with wanting more dual vocals, I've been saying that all along and was upset there wasn't more of that on this ep

[TachyonEvan]

Thanks for reviewing it.

So awesome. A bit short, though.

[alltimelove]

I haven't listened to them a whole lot, but I'm looking forward to seeing them play with We The Kings in a few weeks.

[Vermillion]

Instead of "VersaEmerge EP", this should be called "Twilight Soundtrack".

[secthagoals626]

really like this ep. better then perceptions imo. the dark edge really gives it a cool sound

[TachyonEvan]

Instead of "VersaEmerge EP", this should be called "Twilight Soundtrack".
Gooooooooooooooooo fuck yourself.

[JayPnay]

Good concise review. Yeah, I'm definitely digging the new EP. It still has yet to grow on me like Perceptions has, though. It does sound more poppy and dark and also more theatrical, whereas Perceptions seemed to be more spacey and atmospheric. Though, I'm more partial towards the previous version of Clocks, with its more distortion-heavy quality.

Yeah, there's always going to be the Paramore comparisons. Although Sierra's voice is very good, I don't think she even holds a candle to Hayley's powerhouse of a voice. But, I can see Sierra getting there sometime. I also really like the dynamics between her vocals and that of Blake's. Hopefully, they'll have a lot more of that in the full-length.

[giovanni_c]

Instead of "VersaEmerge EP", this should be called "Twilight Soundtrack".

lol, that wouldn't help the Paramore comparisons.

[White]

Spencer Pearson > Sierra Kusterbeck

VersaEmerge is still, like, totes fab, yo.

And to hell with dual vocals. Spencer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Blake.

[TachyonEvan]

Spencer Pearson > Sierra Kusterbeck

VersaEmerge is still, like, totes fab, yo.

And to hell with dual vocals. Spencer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Blake.
Yeah, but Spencer's gone.

[_><_]

It's decent, though i prefer Perceptions.

[TachyonEvan]

Perceptions had to grow on me.

This is catchier, and it hit me at first listen.

[White]

Yeah, but Spencer's gone.
And I hate my life because of it.

[TachyonEvan]

And I hate my life because of it.
That's excessive.

They're better now, I think. They've come a long way since Spencer.

[awakeohsleeper]

Nice review. I might check these out.

[Mirrorsandfevers]

I'm writing a review for this, dammit. <3. I agree on Theatrics sounding very similar to a Burton film, and The Hider being my favorite too.

[TachyonEvan]

I've got to finish my P.O.S. and A Day To Remember reviews.

[Vermillion]

Gooooooooooooooooo fuck yourself.
cry more.

[spike22988]

I'm definitely a fan. Blake's vocals are great and I agree with hoping to hear more of the two on the full length. That grinch acoustic song is awesome because of the two of them.

[0101]

I really enjoy this EP.

[TachyonEvan]

I really enjoy this EP.
Damn straight.

[youareallfreaks]

76% seems about right

[TachyonEvan]

76% seems about right
I'd give it probably around 88%.

[andrewshungry]

love perceptions, cannot wait to listen to this

[callthemrogues]

I wasn't really feeling this EP.

[markcanole]

diggin this

[White]

Blake cannot replace Spencer.

I'm so bitter.
I didn't even know who VE was when Cities came out.
Spencer still owns your soul.

[Romancebled]

great review. i agree with the Tim Burton comment. that's exactly what i thought of when i first listened to "Theatrics". my favorite tracks would have to be "The Hider", "Moments Between Sleep", and "Clocks". all excellent songs.

in my opinion, this EP destroys Perceptions (which i also loved). i can't wait to hear what they do next with their full length.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Not really feeling it after two listens. It sounds like watered down Bone Palce Ballet music + above average female vocals.

[Debut_Fin]

Theatrics has the sounds i was hoping for when Panic was rumored to be recording with Danny Elfman

[Dirge07]

good review. hoping to pick it up soon.
i'm gonna marry Sierra one day...

[youareallfreaks]

I'd give it probably around 88%.
no

[fftsjason]

i think this EP is great, i like the darker edge to pull them away from the whole 'they sound like Paramore' kinda thing but I think its a tad over produced.

Sierra Kusterbeck - Vocals
Blake Harnage - Guitarist/vocals
Jerry Pierce - Guitarist
Devin Ingelido - Bassist
Anthony Martone - Drummer

Not one plays violins etc...unless i'm wrong there.

Dont get me wrong tho, i love the EP
james paul wisner, the producer also happens to be very good at programming (as are most producers these days, you kind of have to be). listen to the search the city album or any further seems forever album (all produced by the same person who produced this ep).

[Johansson]

I love this EP like crazy!!!!

[Co and Ca]

mmmmmchickfromversaemergemmmmm

[just_farrah]

If this EP is any indication of what's to come from this band, then I'm excited for more.

[fadedmemories]

mmmmmchickfromversaemergemmmmm
beat me to it :-d

[cereal4life]

There's no way these guys would beat out TREOS. I'm a fanboy, but you know it's true! Good review nonetheless.

[Danny Schme]

She really does not sound like Haily Williams.

[JacobyBrown]

we've played with them a few times,they're all good people and definitely a great band to listen to...sorry for the plug but My band,
Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants [with ex-chemist vs. the computer members]
www.myspace.com/standingontheshouldersofgiants (http://www.myspace.com/standingontheshouldersofgiants)
will be on tour in support of their self released EP in March with
Exotic Animal Petting Zoo [Mediaskare Records]
www.myspace.com/exoticanimalpettingzoo (http://www.myspace.com/exoticanimalpettingzoo)
who will also be on tour in support of their latest Mediaskare release,"I Have Made My Bed In Darkness".
Check out their myspace's for tour dates!

[batmannj]

And I hate my life because of it.

thats kind of sad...

[batmannj]

I'd give it probably around 88%.

i would give it an 85.4289156 on a sunny day

on a cloudy day 88.8784738990

[HometownHero]

Comparing this shit to TREOS is a huge insult. Awful. And I even like a few Paramore tracks and can see the similarities and differences but honestly this band is garbage

[LongDistanceDrunk]

we've played with them a few times,they're all good people and definitely a great band to listen to...sorry for the plug but My band,
Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants [with ex-chemist vs. the computer members]
www.myspace.com/standingontheshouldersofgiants (http://www.myspace.com/standingontheshouldersofgiants)
will be on tour in support of their self released EP in March with
Exotic Animal Petting Zoo [Mediaskare Records]
www.myspace.com/exoticanimalpettingzoo (http://www.myspace.com/exoticanimalpettingzoo)
who will also be on tour in support of their latest Mediaskare release,"I Have Made My Bed In Darkness".
Check out their myspace's for tour dates!
I think your in the wrong thread. Here is a link for the Self Promotion thread
http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=5

[AndrewCloer]

I need to go listen to this.

[fadedmemories]

I'm liking this EP more with every listen.

[KDEDOM]

with two contrasting EPs im kinda scared for what the full length will be like. im sure they wont disappoint though

[Anton Djamoos]

There's no way these guys would beat out TREOS. I'm a fanboy, but you know it's true! Good review nonetheless.
Not a chance to beat TREOS.

[TachyonEvan]

I think they've got more appeal than TREOS.

[xAnDoOx]

i really, really like this ep. past praying for is soooo damn catchy, im singin it in my head right now lol. good review, great ep.

[porttheman]

I think they've got more appeal than TREOS.
I disagree,but im curios to know why you think that?

[TachyonEvan]

I disagree,but im curios to know why you think that?
They're less crazy.

TREOS is crazy deep. VE has pop sensablity.

[crowdediceb0x]

good review! these guys are really nice people :)

[bentleyj98]

That's excessive.

They're better now, I think. They've come a long way since Spencer.
agreed and isn't sierra only like 17 or 18? At such a young age, she has time to imporve her already wonderful vocals

[crtofcrmsnkng]

just listened to this band....i like what i hear

[allan]

does anyone not think there's some obvious circa survive influence? i like the ep, and i'd like to see them live but there is definately a bit of colin and brendan homage going on.

[TachyonEvan]

Here's the Official Thread:

http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=822082

[tylergregoryman]

This is the greatest release by FBR since Almost Here in 2005 by The Academy Is...
Sierra is sooo damn hot!!!

[Undue Noise]

I liked the EP, but wanted more dual vocals.

[ExpiringGrace]

Hey, normally I get angry about comparing VersaEmerge to Hayley Williams because, the music (not exactly the voices but they aren't extreamly alike either) is so different. I love the sound of VersaEmerge and really do hope that destroy all their competition. SPECIALLY paramore

[iloveblink182]

for fans of versa watch this bands new music video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu_8n5JgOgs if you like what you hear head to http://www.last.fm/music/Scarlett