Emo-Punk. Tuneful, melodic, with deep lyrics, but with incredible energy, angst, bombast, and youthful swagger is how Pete Nordstrom, co-owner of Loveless Records, describes the unique sound of Vendetta Red.

Vendetta Red inked a deal with EPIC in 2002, "To what we are told is a very big deal. Every label wanted them and they choose Epic. We really had nothing to do with any of it until it came time to transfer our rights to these songs. There is a nice chance at big money if the record sells with Epic. We'll see....", said Pete Nordstrom about the deal. It seems to be paying off as Zach Davidson recently co-hosted an MTV special on Grunge music and the band has been listed as one of the top ten groups to watch by another prestigious publication.

John Richards (co-owner of Loveless) discovered the band by way of a glorified demo called 'Blackout Analysis'. Around the same time Pete's band, Tuffy, played a show with them at the Crocodile Café in Downtown Seattle Washington, USA. Nordstrom was immediately impressed with VR's high-energy show and got a hold of the demo. It would take another live show for Pete and John to declare the band label mates to Loveless.

Despite a few line-up changes, the core of Vendetta Red has been together for 4 years: Zach Davidson on vocals, lyrics, and acoustic guitar; Erik Chapman on guitar, keyboards, and vocals; and Joseph Childress on drums, keyboards and vocals. To complete the lineup and add the final touch, guitarist Justin Cronk and bass player and keyboardist Michael Vermillion were recruited.

With the band fully intact and signed to Loveless, Vendetta Red began work on their 1st effort, White Knuckled Substance which has been renamed and restructured for Epic to Between The Never And The Now. Although many of the members are Bakersfield, California transplants, they consider themselves a Seattle band and have been embraced by the Northwest. "If it weren't for Seattle, this band would not exist. We've been playing out in Seattle long enough now that I can confidently say that we define this city in the same way that it defines us, and we're proud to be a part of this musical community," says Childress.

Vendetta Red was only the 8th band to sign with this relatively new label and the first band to be lured away from Loveless. Their maiden, full length CD was the most anticipated indie release to come out of the Northwest last year. This band is very original, both in style and sound. By capturing fans with their energetic live performances and constant touring, they have already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene. While the record has received mixed reviews, it stands up to the critics with a middle finger waving an intense attitude. While there is very little difference between productions, Jerry Finn who has produced and mixed albums for Blink-182, Green Day, Sum 41 and, Weezer was brought onboard to clean it up. The prevailing style of the disc is introspective lyrics mixed with a hardcore line of attack and harmonious breaks. The 1st single, 'Shatterday', is an excellent choice to introduce this band to the unsuspecting masses, for it encompasses all the elements of their distinct sound. One more track the band has been advised to push is the haunting song dealing with child abuse, 'Stay Home'. With such pensive and frank lyrics, it becomes apparent just how intense and pissed off Zach is as he exorcises his demons during the writing process. Between The Never And The Now is comprised of material from both Blackout Analysis and White Knuckled Substance, and unfortunately the high octane track and an audience favorite, 'All Cried Out’ didn’t make the cut.

When asked about the writing process: "One of the members will bring a blueprint or format to rehearsal, and we will just go through it over and over until each one of us finds the perfect thing to play. And sometimes before we perform or record, Zach will soak himself in gasoline, stand eight to ten feet from a lit candle, carve stick figure demons in his wall, and write lyrics," explains Joseph.

As far as influences go, Childress said, "From what I understand from talking to people about our music, including the homies at Loveless, we sound nothing like any of the bands we really love. I suppose if I list them, one would be able to recognize subtle similarities. Here goes: Radiohead, Far, Deftones, X-Ignota, Motley Crue, Travis, Sunnyday Real Estate, Screeching Weasel, Blur, The Refused, Bjork, F.Y.P. Jawbreaker, Jawbox, Weezer except the green album, Tori Amos, Grimple, Green Day, Black Flag, Joan Jett, Minor Threat, Jets To Brazil, Pat Benatar, Burning Airlines, Fugazi, etc."

Vendetta Red are currently on a grueling cross country tour in support of the new record which will end in early August in Asbury Park NJ. They are also a part of Vans Warped Tour which includes a carnival of new acts and some familiar favorites including Rancid and Andrew W.K..

With an energetic lead vocalist in the sexy, swaggering Zach Davidson, and the solid rhythm section, along with a high energy dual guitar assault, Vendetta Red are poised to take over the world and leave no prisoners. In the words of the bands flamboyant front man, "I think we definitely put every last drop of sweat and energy that we've got into everything we do. I suppose there is also a great deal of angst coming from us, however passé it may be, we just can't collectively let go of people fucking us over in the past. We are youthful- we still like to get fucked up and break shit as often as possible. Smoking drugs and slamming tussin in the name of art has kind of been our mantra for a few years now. Musically, we just do whatever comes naturally. If that prizes us with the term 'emo-punk' then that's fine, but its all rock and roll to us."


TONY ENGELHART