doubleVee – Periscope at Midnight EP
This self-produced EP by the Oklahoma married team of Allan & Barb Vest (doubleVee) has been at it since 2012 & was recorded in their home studio. The showcase provides 6 original tracks on Periscope at Midnight (Drops July 25/Independent/19:29).
This type of music has been explored melodically in the past. However, it’s always interesting to listen to new interpretations of this highly catchy, entertaining & innovative genre. Alright, it’s not real rock ‘n’ roll, or folk music. But it’s an American hybrid of cross-breeding between theatrical showtune cleverness & popular music simplicity. Not quite as heavy-handed as Gilbert & Sullivan but having a mellifluent quality.
Allan & Barb Vest have captured some delightful songs in this medium. In the past, even The Beatles toyed with such escapades. Mixed with vaudeville, Spike Jones & Carl W. Stalling. With The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” it had all these flavors. Artists who made a splash with tight arrangements, humor & cleverness were evident with The Tubes, Deaf School with Bette Bright, Sailor, Stackridge, The Beaver Brothers, Sparks & New Muzik.
The 6-song EP has a half-dozen delectable tunes that start with “Submarine Number Three Vee,” & a rollick on the piano thumping cheery “Maybe Tonight (What’s Inside Me?”). Ear-candy throughout for someone who doesn’t want politically driven folk, heavy-handed grunge & metal & shouting. These tunes have brainy instrumental interplay, witty vocalizing & sharp instincts as they build their compositions into well-played little one-act plays.
It’s not the kind of music that will take mainstream radio by storm today, but these selections will put a smile on a listener’s face. There are some missteps, but the whole of it is like a big box of chocolates. There’s always one or two you don’t care for as much as the cordial cherries, buttery toffees, nougats, pralines, marzipans & rainbow squares – my point? This box of music is full of delicious songs that will linger like some boozy rum-filled chocolates. Whoever said no to that?
The CD art is especially good for an EP. Ambitious & artistic. Thanks to Grant Fuhst who decorated the package nicely — but no insert, or lyrics? Boo Hoo.
Highlights – “Submarine Number Three Vee,” “Diamond Thumb,” “Maybe Tonight (What’s Inside Me?”), & Modern Times.”
Musicians –Allan Vest (vocals/guitar/bass/cello/drums/arrangements), Barb Vest (vocals/synths), Brent Williams (violin) & Christi Wans (trumpet).
Color image courtesy of Logan Walcher. CD @ Bandcamp & Apple + https://www.doublevee.net/
