The Luscious Harmonies of Vandaveer

Have you ever heard such beautiful harmonies that you can’t move? I am talking about the harmonies that mesh together so well that they sound like one voice. They follow each other and know each other so well that they can anticipate where the other is going vocally. If you love this type of harmony you must become familiar with Vandaveer.

I had the absolute pleasure of working the merchandise table for them when they last came through Baltimore. I have been a fan of theirs since I first heard the song “Divide and Conquer” from the album of the same name. I was stunned by the harmonies and was worried that when I saw them live, it wouldn’t be the same. Was I ever wrong. I spent the entire show mesmerized by the power of these two voices. I had shivers of joy the entire evening. When I heard them I really felt powerless at points. Who would have thought that just two people and one guitar could be so commanding? They had the audience with them from the first note to the last.

Vandaveer is basically Mark Charles Heidinger and Rose Guerin. They do tour at times with a drummer/percussionist but it is usually the two of them. Mark writes the songs and they both sing their style of alternative folk music. Mark started out his music career playing bass in the band These United States. He put out a side project in 2007 under Vandaveer moniker called Grace & Speed. It did very well and got a lot of great press. He then brought in Rose and they recorded Divide and Conquer in 2009. This album got such great reviews that it convinced Mark to pursue Vandaveer full time. They just released in April Dig Down Deep which continues to highlight his great songwriting skills. Vandaveer is not just a vocal one trick pony. The song writing is excellent along with meaningful lyrics. Here is a live video recorded at WTMD of "Divide and Conquer":

If you love harmonies, I encourage you to get out and support this great band. You can click here for a free download on their site for the song "Woolgathering". Make sure you see them live if you get the chance. You will also be mesmerized.

UPDATE: As we have done before, we will from time to time update you on bands we have already written posts on. My co-blogger Larry wrote a blog a while ago on the band Death Cab for Cutie. They have just released a fine new album titled Codes and Keys. The reviews have been excellent and if you like them you should pick up this new album.