CD REVIEW: THE VEER UNION – Decade

Label: Pavement Entertainment

Release Date: January 29, 2016

Rating: 7.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Modern radio rock seems to have more and more players crawl out of the woodwork daily, but a few bands stand up through member changes, record label changes, and the ebb and flow of listener’s tastes.  The Veer Union is releasing their next disc, Decade, in celebration of their 10 years releasing music.  “Defying Gravity” is a heavy track that blends the modern rock sound with the sound The Veer Union has cultivated over the years, ever changing and growing.  This song has elements that remind you of Sevendust, especially at the chorus.  “Watch You Lose” was a demo recorded prior to the band’s debut release and was eventually utilized by Tommy Lee on a solo disc, but here is a re-recorded version from Crispin Earl and the rest of the current incarnation of the band.  “I Said” is a bit mellow and overdone to sit alongside other tracks from the bands catalog, but as this disc is a celebration of where the band has been and where they are going, who knows where this new sound will lead the guys.  “We All Will” is another track that could have come from a Sevendust disc, with anthemic chorus bits that seem too constructed and clean for The Veer Union.  This is one of the better tracks on the disc, as it ties different sounds and vibes together in one piece.  “The Unwanted” is another demo that was rerecorded for this collection, and shows off Crispin Earl’s writing chops and the bands ability to make something old new again.

“You Can’t Have It All” opens with an eerie sounding guitar and is soon accompanied by a tempo that seems to offset the groove of the guitar through the verse, but comes together at the chorus, keeping the song flowing.  “Make Believe” is another track that was eventually lifted by Tommy Lee for inclusion on his Tommyland disc.  This version leans heavier on guitar and a big rock sound, drowning the beauty of the lyrics and lead vocals that could have been more powerful if left stripped down.  “I Don’t Care” opens with a cool guitar intro that soon combines with heavy handed drums and a bass line that floats in the background.  The vocals are tight and deliver the emotion of the lyrics without overdoing the heavier side of the song.  “Heart Attack” opens with a huge drum sound that continues to direct the mood and tempo of the track, with pounding rhythm and cool fills.  The vocals are a bit tame compared to other tracks, but fit the mood of the music and blend well with the guitars.  “Underrated” closes the disc and seems to be looking for an identity – it has layered choruses, pounding drums, big riffs, and heavy bass, but the song seems to jump off track a bit at times.

​​Tracklisting: Defying Gravity – Watch You Lose – You Can’t Have It All – I Said – Make Believe – We All Will – I Don’t Care – The Unwanted – Heart Attack – Underrated

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Category: CD Reviews