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Vermouth Reviews
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"If you’re going to see Vermouth, ready yourself for a colorful evening of car-chasing iguanas and all-too-human
purple and slimy sea anemones! Whether it was the lyrics, dripping as they are with rich imagination, or the bouncy, carnival-like
melodies, this unusual band of artists had me throwing back martinis and dancing with strangers only to leave me wondering at the
end of the night if perhaps there is, in fact, such a thing as retrofuturepopexotica. Dreamy, theatrical-cum-cinematic, Vermouth
is the kind of band that appeals to a thirsty bohemian crowd looking for new levels of musical experience.”
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-Abi McKee
Booking Manager
The Mediterranean Club
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"In the 1950's, lounge music and culture enjoyed a strong presence even though doo-wop, rock 'n' roll and
teenagers were getting all the attention. 1997 saw a resurgence in swank fashion and furnishings, the cocktail culture, and,
especially, ultra lounge music. Now in 2004, the four accomplished musicians in Vermouth serve up a refreshing, zesty, couth
cocktail of a sound, reminiscent of lounge but with some tantalizing twists. Justine Kragen's vocal melodies and lyrics are
coolly captivating on the first listen and shimmer along from song to song, elevating seemingly mundane subjects such as cutting
up magazines for collages and sharing a "mango and a view, a room without a phone." Another twist in this designer martini is the
phenomenally strong finger finesse of Mr. Steve McDonald, who puts the sonic in the tonic and, along with Justine, writes most of
the songs. His instrumental frills are the strong undercurrent that propel the rhythms and vocals. The Vermouth CD, E.P.#1, has
five songs- each a perfect pop pastiche. Here's a quick drinking- I mean- thinking person's guide to the CD. On "My House," note
the metronomic beats set up by drum and guitar upon which a jazzy trumpet floats. The fan favorite is "Costa Rica," with its
gently undulating instrumentals serving as a backdrop to showcase the chic and suave song stress. "Go Go Dancer" recycles the
Japanese restyling of Western pop influences. In "Collage," the rhythm section sets up a low grade rumba fever while Steve
twilight picks throughout the whole song with some frantic but low-key arpeggios. So guys, bedeck yourselves in those wingtips,
narrow ties, wide-collared shirts and blazers. And gals, do the same with padded shoulder suits, slightly veiled hats and
elbow-length gloves. Give yourself a break from the heaviness and check out this cool combo before they are swept away to bigger
shores.”
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-John Lewis
Your Music Magazine
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"Like its name, this band's flavor is dry but strangely intoxicating..."
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-Rya Holloway
Good Times
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"Popping metallic bubbles in multicolored strangely enchanting lounge bars on tropical islands has always been
a favorite pastime of mine. Equally seductive and quirky as this seemingly odd (but essential) hobby is the utterly unique
retrofuturepopexotica sounds of Vermouth, who would feel right at home at just such a bar. Vermouth craftily combines such
contrasting worlds as lounge music, indie rock, '80s pop and Balinese gamelan. Leading songstress Justine Kragen's buttery smooth
voice and imaginative lyrics are just the ticket you need to oil up, loosen some bolts and have a grand old time...”
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-Adam Cotton
Metro Santa Cruz
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"Next time they come in concert, I highly suggest that you see this band."
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-Chris "Merlin" Bushman
Creator/Producer of "Idle Hands" TV Show
Community Television of Santa Cruz County
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"This is a band that is creating a sound all its own...their quirky offbeat tones and good song sensibility
create a fun melodic amalgam of tasty jams, and their lyrics are poetic and entertaining."
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-Fatty Eddy
Your Music Magazine
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