by John Kindred
– Publisher —
V.H.F. is the brainchild of drummer Todd “Vinny” Vinciguerra. The three-piece trio also features bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder) and guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger, Whitesnake, TSO). The V.H.F. moniker comprises the initials from each band member’s last name and defines the band’s debut CD title Very High Frequency.
Taking a page from Jazz legend Miles Davis, Vinciguerra literally builds Very High Frequency from the ground up. Creating the foundational grooves for the seven songs that appear on the album, Vinciguerra takes creativity outside the box. With his attention to detail, the musical arrangements begin with the rhythmic pulse of the drum kit, and then are passed on to Franklin for the creation of chord structures and grooves, finally resting at the feet of Hoekstra, who adds the color of guitars to complete the picture.
It’s an untraditional approach to writing music, yet it lends itself to unique compositional possibilities, allowing all involved to approach the creation of the music from very different angles and perspectives. Engineer and producer Joe Floyd joined Vinciguerra after the music had been recorded, and they worked on the basic production, adding effects, panning, etc. Once that phase was complete, Tommy Kessler (Blondie) entered the picture to further tweak the overall sonic presentation of the project.
Predominately instrumental music, all musicians involved get to stretch their musical muscle and simultaneously showcase their abilities. “Shattered Insomnia” opens the album and has an infectious energy; very Vai- or Satriani-like, each instrument clearly is audible. “Whispers Of The Soul” is built around a Middle Eastern melody, which is prominent throughout the song. The guitar, drums and bass lay down a constant groove to keep your head bobbing. “Suspended Animation” is like a Led Zeppelin composition, with a Steve Vai-ish trippy thing going on, mixed in with classical guitar runs. It’s a very trippy journey happening throughout the song.
“Conception To Death (For 8 Guitars)” is another mind-bender. The song is a chaotic mix of jarring guitar-driven motifs that open the song and structurally bounce between soft and heavy riffs. “Invincible Threads” would be a more traditional arrangement, but, again, there are constant changes happening throughout. There is a defining “chorus” that gives listeners a memorable theme on which to latch. The lone vocal track, “Backside Of Your Eyes,” appears on the CD. The song has an eerie Alice Cooper vibe. “All Is Within” opens with a tribal-like drum progression, and Franklin’s fretless bass lays down a Middle Eastern sounding accompaniment.
Very High Frequency is a trip of sonic explorations. The music is reminiscent of a time when psychedelic posters and black lights adorned the bedrooms of America’s. The music falls within the realm of trippy ‘70s rock and is an escape from the trappings of the modern music scene. V.H.F. offers fans an impressive seven-song CD that is designed to take them on an exploratory musical journey.
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Prog Rock, Instrumental
Band:
Todd Vinny Vinciguerra – Drums
Joel Hoekstra – Guitars
Tony Franklin – Bass
Track Listing:
1. Shattered Insomnia
2. Whispers Of The Soul
3. Suspended Animation
4. Conception To Death (For 8 Guitars)
5. Invisible Thread
6. Backside Of Your Eyes
7. All Is Within
Label: Mind’s Eye Records
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10
