Vectralux read between the lines of human life on their new EP The Subtle Extravaganza — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
This release thematically addresses the ever-changing flux of thought and emotion as a common, shared experience. Musically, The Subtle Extravaganza dances slyly through the shadows and back alleys of the subconscious, resilient and poised with layer upon layer of melodic hooks. Fans of indie rock and pop innovators like Guided by Voices, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., Pixies and Blur should enjoy this new collection.
The followup to the Atlanta quartet’s impressive 2021 debut Each Morning And The Morning Thereafter, this new short set represents as much a maturation of the writing style as a departure from the first record. Still displaying the same decades-spanning influences, but incorporating darker themes and new sounds, this EP still shines with effervescent optimism served with a wry grin. It explores the same sonic territory — hooky pop/rock songs with lush arrangements, strong melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and high-order musicianship — but adds new layers of texture, rhythm, structure and darker lyrical themes.
“We all have contrasts and contradictions that pile up in our lives. Plusses and minuses, details and generalities,” bassist and producer Andy Tegethoff says. “There’s a sine wave of highs and lows but when you look back, eventually we perceive those ups and downs more as a line than a wave. A blur of good days and bad days — many days both at once. We may remember peaks and troughs, but on the whole it’s a plainsong pageant. Just your typical tornado. A stationary journey. It’s a subtle extravaganza.”
Vectralux’s name is “a made-up word that sounds strangely familiar” — much like the group’s canny blend of ’70s rock, ’80s new wave and ’90s alternative influences. Along with Tegethoff, the band features singer-guitarist Hannibal Heredia, keyboardist Dan Barker and drummer Kelly Shane.
Listen to The Subtle Extravaganza below, watch the band play Liquid Animal above, and find Vectralux on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
