Album Reviews

Album Reviews: Against the Grain by The Veer Union

Radio rock has been saddled with a bad rep. It’s often written off as “butt rock,” a cookie-cutter concoction derived for mass consumption. People forget that there’s something to be said for memorable songs. Also if a large number of music listeners are enamored by a song they heard while flipping dials, there really shouldn’t be a problem! Despite being exposed to a wider audience, a song doesn’t always lose its meaning to those who connect with it initially.

So, what’s that got to do with Canada’s The Veer Union? Well, the band falls into the category of radio-friendly rock music, since many of the songs on its debut, Against the Grain, cut like a knife, but don’t cause any sort of infection or leave a noticeable, embarrassing scar. The songs put forth by this Vancouver-based crew crunch with not-too-heavy, yet not-too-light riffery and Crispin Earl’s emotive vocalizations. “Seasons,” “Youth of Yesterday” and “Darker Side of Me” are cast with the dark, moody vibe of neo-grunge and that’s what the disaffected, post-college rock fans connect with on a deep level. The thoughtful—dare we say sensitive?— “I’m Sorry’ and the ominous “Final Moment” give the album an added layer of emotion, too.

There’s no shame in The Veer Union stringing together hooky songs that aren’t totally blunted by the production often afforded by a major label promotion and recording budget. The heft of the band’s compositions is retained, despite some of the studio-treated enhancements. It’s really a record for those who want to try something heavy, but don’t want to submerge into the “metal” scene.

— Amy Sciarretto
05.26.09